Italian Heritage Celebrated at St. Paul's Annual Festival

Friday, Aug. 11

St. Paul Roman Catholic Church will celebrate its heritage all weekend with Italian food, entertainment and more at its annual Italian Festival.

Chairman Ron DiVecchio says it's grown substantially over the years. "Sometimes it's hard to move out there."

The weekend-long event kicks off Friday with an opening Communion service at 4:30 p.m. The pasta fagioli dinner takes place directly afterwards from 5 to 8 p.m., with entertainment provided from 6 to 10 p.m. Erie musician Lindsay Vendetti will take the stage at 8 p.m.

The festival continues Saturday with activities lined up from 1 to 10 p.m. As on Friday, music will be provided throughout the festival. Francesco Reino and Sam Tonelli will perform traditional Italian music as Cugini Italiani (Italian Cousins) beginning at 6 p.m.

The fun wraps up on Sunday after a full day of events. It begins with an 11 a.m. mass held by Bishop Lawrence Persico. Afterwards, people can see an Italian tradition — the Procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through "Little Italy." A spaghetti dinner is offered from noon to 6 p.m. Entertainment and other activities will also be available throughout the day. Sunday will conclude three days of raffle drawings with an $8,000 jackpot. — Tracy Geibel

Friday through Sunday, times vary // St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 1617 Walnut St. // (814)-459-3173 // info@stpaulrcerie.org // stpaulrcerie.org/festival