Time for a change; Tusc. Italian-American Festival brings new ideas, entertainment to annual event
With 22 years of success behind them, the Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival Foundation, Inc. (TCIAFFI) will kick off their annual festival August 12, but with a couple big changes to their already impressive festival formula. Hoping to draw even larger crowds and scholarship dollars for their local nonprofit organization, the weekend will see an increased emphasis on the rich Italian-American heritage in the area.
“We’re trying to grow,” said Rick Mathias, vice president of TCIAFFI. “We’re not a carnival festival. Our purpose is to celebrate Italian heritage and raise money for scholarships. But people always come up and ask, ‘Where’s all the culture?’”
2011 is certainly the year to be in downtown Dover for the annual festival event, with an impressive lineup of new entertainment, a recently constructed and much larger stage, as well as exciting exhibits added to the midway. Pair all of this with classic contests, and both fair food and traditional Italian dishes, a little bit of change and culture presents an exciting weekend (August 12-14) for anyone looking to attend a quality, family-oriented festival.
Of course, one of the biggest draws for the weekend is the entertainment. Performing for the first time this year will be popular Canton-based musicians The Wild West Band, country and pop singer Brandi Lynn Howard, strolling mandolin player Egidio Faiella, former Four Coins singer Ronnie Fiorentino, and Take 3, a trio of men who sing hits from the ‘50s to the ‘70s.
The exciting additions are just the beginning though, as tried-and-true favorites return to accompany them throughout the weekend. Returning performers include: Todd T. Taylor, Timothy Paul, LaFlavour, the Dominic Greco Band, Badstone, Michey Bache, the Texas Roadhouse Line Dancers, Skin n Bones Trio, Backstage Dancers, Michael Sonata, and the Moonlighters. Many of the acts will perform on the new and improved beverage garden stage, sponsored by the longtime supporters at J.D. Byrider in Dover, under owner Tony Marcantonio.
In 2007, the “Skip” Rondinella Memorial Heritage Tent was added to the mix, showcasing and demonstrating anything that has to do with traditional Italian culture, from accordion playing to the frying of pizza fretta. The tent will be back once again this year, along with one of the most anticipated changes to the vendors, the addition of The Marketplace.
Based on the age-old Italian tradition of open-air markets in the streets, Mathias gathered several small and family-run businesses to simulate the idea in Dover.
“We put together a combination of things and tied it in with our heritage and cookie booth to give it a little culture,” explained Mathias. The Marketplace will sit next to the information, cookie and souvenir booth, as well as the heritage tent.
“I remember when I was growing up, there were markets in all the neighborhoods,” Mathias said. “That’s how we Italians stay alive. I wanted to give people a little extra taste, instead of the usual sausage sandwich… give it a little variety.”
The Marketplace will feature five businesses: Barkett Fruit Company with fresh produce, Gary’s Italian Market & Deli with deli items and Italian cooking ingredients, Uncommon Grounds with coffee, espresso, cappuccinos and smoothies, Flat Top Bakery with pepperoni rolls and Italian breads, and Crawford Farm Floral with fresh-cut flowers and do-it-yourself arrangements.
Visitors to the The Marketplace will be able to purchase items from the businesses as well as enjoy free samples. Fortunately, Chris Helbling at Helbling’s Supply graciously donated refrigeration equipment for the fresh items to ensure no matter what the temperature is outside, visitors receive the best in local products.
With all of the changes happening throughout the weekend, it is still important to remember the popular contests and activities that continue to be held year after year, including things like grape stomping, spaghetti sauce making, pizza eating and an old-time procession to Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Sunday morning. A full schedule of events and times is available on the festival website at http://tuscitalianamerican.org.
Overall, Mathias agrees a little bit of change is a good thing for TCIAFFI, as the group always wants to improve upon their festival each year.
“We’re just trying to bring different ideas. You never know if it’s going to work, but you hope it does, and these are all fine businesses for people to come out and support,” Mathias said.
Something that hasn’t and will never change, however, is the fact that any and all money raised from the weekend will go directly back into the funding for the festival itself, and more importantly, providing scholarships to local students. This year, a record number of 20 awards will be given at the Mayor’s Breakfast, Friday morning.