Despite a rainy forecast and lower temperatures, thousands of residents of Butler County and surrounding areas came out to the first annual Butler Italian Festival to sample Italian cuisine, take in some live entertainment and celebrate the heritage of the area on Saturday.

The inaugural four-day event included authentic Italian musical performances, Italian food and drink vendors, and activities for children.

Organizer Rocco Lamanna estimated that 5,000 people visited the street fair on Friday, with an even bigger turnout Saturday.

Saturday's events also included Frank Sinatra tribute artist Nick Fiasco, a “how-to” cooking demonstration for Italian food presented by BC3 Lifelong Learning, favorite Italian tunes from the Butch Nichols Band, and MEM3, featuring Butler guitarist Chuck Moses playing rock 'n roll favorites.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.