Food, music highlight Latrobe Italian Festival

Lucy and Terry Lappi certainly didn’t have to worry about stopping for a bite to eat Sunday afternoon on their way back home to Somerset.

The Lappis were among those drawn to this weekend’s third annual Latrobe Italian Festival, where more than 50 merchants and food vendors lined the streets in the city’s First Ward neighborhood.

“I saw it on Facebook and thought we’d drive down. We’re Italian, and growing up Italian, listening to music with my grandfather, I wanted to see what they had,” said Lucy Lappi, 67.

Few left hungry as vendors offered pasta, meatballs, authentic Italian ices and baked goods along with spirits, themed clothing and other wares.

Organizer Mike Ciotti, owner of 512 Coffee and Ice Cream, said the festival was designed to showcase both his Italian heritage and promote Latrobe’s small-business community.

“We were looking for a way to bring people into town. I saw other towns had festivals and thought why can’t we do this. This is our third year and it’s a lot easier now. The coolest part is when you walk around down here, you feel the atmosphere in the air,” Ciotti said.

It was an appetizing afternoon for patrons such as Lynn Fry, 53, of Latrobe, who looked to digest a big plate of stuffed shells, ziti and meatballs under the sun-drenched skies on Sunday afternoon.

“Growing up in Latrobe you have to like this. My wife is Italian and I can’t pass up a festival like this,” Fry said.

Chris Antitomas, owner of Sapore di Italian in Murrysville, has attended all three of the recent Latrobe Italian Festivals to sell his baked goods.

“We go to a lot of festivals and farmers markets, but only two Italian festivals. This one is authentic, and that’s why we come to this. It’s traditional with all the real food vendors and entertainment.”

A parade kicked off the festival Saturday, and a bocce tournament was held Sunday as musical acts that included authentic music, a strolling accordion and an opera singer entertained the crowd.

The theme was Italian heritage, but community engagement was the goal.

“We invited everyone in town, and there are a bunch of Italian restaurants here, so this is nice to see. This area is one where many Italian families live, so it’s a celebration but it doesn’t matter what the heritage is,” Ciotti said.

That’s why Dave Thompson, owner of Tiny’s Taco in Latrobe, said his cuisine made perfect sense for the festival.

“I know who is running this festival and he asked me to come. We have a pretty good following so we’re happy to be here,” Thompson said.