Latrobe Italian Festival returns with parade, food, music ranging from rock to opera

A new diverse mix of musical entertainment and food is slated for the third annual Latrobe Italian Festival, returning this weekend to the city’s First Ward neighborhood.

Organized by Michael Ciotti, owner of 512 Coffee and Ice Cream, and his father, Paul, the festival will offer more than 50 food and craft booths lining Thompson Street and McKinley Avenue, between Ligonier and Alexandria streets, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

There also will be two entertainment stages both days, a parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday and a bocce tournament at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

“It’s a heck of a music schedule this year,” said Paul Ciotti, with more than a dozen acts slated to perform.

New to the lineup this year is Greensburg’s Derek Woods Band, headlining the main stage entertainment at 7:30 p.m. The local rock outfit has toured nationally and racked up international recognition. The ban won LIT Talent Awards for best music video and best art music video — for its video accompanying “Don’t Look Away,” a track from its 2022 album, “Picture Yourself.”

“They should bring a good following,” Ciotti said of the Woods band. “I think we’ll be packed in Saturday night.”

There also will be entertainment with a more specific Italian appeal.

Local baritone and 2019 Saint Vincent College vocal performance graduate Anthony J. Massetto will kick off the main stage schedule both days, singing the national anthem at 10 a.m. Saturday and offering Italian opera excerpts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

He’ll be followed on Saturday by the Allegro Dance Company, which will demonstrate the wild tarantella Italian folk dance as well as elegant circle dances.

The food court will offer everything from 512 Coffee and Ice Cream’s own Italian-theme smashburgers to tacos.

An array of wines, distilled beverages and craft brews will be featured under a tent next to DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant on McKinley.

The revived festival hearkens back to celebrations held a century earlier in the neighborhood known for a strong Italian ethnic heritage.

“In the early 1900s, the Derry marching band marched through the streets of Latrobe,” Ciotti said. “That was kind of the kickoff of the festival they had back then. We’re trying to replicate what they did.

“We want to include as much of the Italian tradition and heritage as possible.”

In addition to local fire and police units, Saturday’s parade is expected to include the Greater Latrobe marching band and a procession honoring the Virgin Mary.

Teams of two or four who want to participate in the bocce tournament can register at 512 Coffee and Ice Cream until 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The cost is $10 per person, with the top two teams winning gift certificates to local Italian restaurants.

“I like to play bocce,” said Michael Ciotti. “It’s fun. What our festival is about is a bunch of people coming together and having a good time. That’s what we’re looking for.”

More details can be found on the Latrobe Italian Festival Facebook page.