Butler Italian Festival celebrates the tastes of Italy
Hues of red, white and green billowed over Main Street on Friday afternoon, and in the street below, people from all walks of life got to experience a taste of Italy.
The Butler Italian Festival kickoff was well attended Friday, and vendors expect visitors to “roam if they want to” among the food and entertainment until Sunday evening.
Members of the Butler Sons and Daughters of Italy busily prepared lasagna, gnocchi, ravioli and meat balls to serve to customers. Among them was Darian Fetterman, whose mother Charmaine has been cooking for the club for years.
“My mom has been doing it before I was even a thought. This is her life; this event is huge for her,” she said. “(The Italian Festival) is a great way to get the culture, to try the food. You get the hardcore Italians who come here; it looks like you’re walking in downtown Italy right now.”
From shaved ice to cannolis and pizza and wine, attendees used all five senses at the festival. A slew of inflatable activities and carnival games kept children and adults active.
Anna Marie Powers, of Butler, was enjoying a meatball hoagie during her time at the event. She said she is Italian and has attended every year.
“It brings us all together. I’ve been here 20 minutes, and I’ve seen so many people,” she said. “The best part is the food. I want the real Italian food.”
A group of children stopped before Louis Gamber, an accordion player, to dance to his traditional tunes. He said he’s been playing for 72 years, and this was his first Italian fest.
“It’s great; it’s social. It’s getting out,” he said. “People stop all the time to dance.”
Various bands are scheduled to play throughout the weekend, including Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band Let's Groove Tonight, which Holly and Dustin Furman, of Butler, said they were looking forward to.
“I like the music here,” Holly said. “We like going to all the local events. They connect the community.”
Nadia Diaz, of Butler, said she is half Italian and was looking forward to trying some meatballs during her time there.
“It’s such good food and there are such good people. It’s a good time, and everyone’s included,” she said. “You just enjoy it, and once the live music starts, you’ll know who’s Italian. They’ll be dancing.”
The Butler Italian Festival lasts from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday on Main Street. Downtown streets will be closed for the festival.
