First Italian Days festival in Butler draws a big crowd
BUTLER — The celebration of Italian heritage at Butler’s first Italian Days, organized by the Sons and Daughters of Italy, started on Friday.
“Last night, it was packed,” Charmaine Fetterman, who took the lead in organizing the event, said about the kickoff Friday. “I am just overwhelmed with the crowd that was here.”
Day two on Saturday was just as eventful.
Butler’s Main Street between Wayne and Cunningham streets found itself packed with a throng of visitors on Saturday as crowds gathered to enjoy a day of food, live music and entertainment on the main stage.
A variety of food vendors were present, from PK's Cluckin Truck to Hot Ash Wood Fired Pizza. Fetterman’s own Bellissimo Catering could be spotted across Diamond Park, offering guests homemade Italian food.
Attendees also delighted in baked goods coming from a variety of vendors, including Italian Society, Uzi's Pastry and The Sweet Gremlin.
Fetterman said all the vendors were pleased with the turnout at the festival, as well as the crowd’s enthusiasm.
“They could not be more happy,” she said.
Main stage entertainment included live music from Drama Kings and Dinner Bell Road on Friday; and from The Stoberts, Cavaliers, Mirella The Musician and Black Ridge on Saturday. Pat Septak, an accordionist, walked the street on Saturday as well.
On Friday, some Slippery Rock University students working on a heritage project about Italian American immigrants who settled in Butler visited the event.
Fetterman said one slight setback for the event was Vintage Coffee, which she said is a phenomenal coffeehouse she wanted to showcase to visitors, suffered a water main break. Otherwise, the event went smoothly.
Fetterman said the Italian Days festival goes hand in hand with the larger mission of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.
“We definitely want to keep the Italian heritage alive — that’s first and foremost,” Fetterman said about the nonprofit’s mission.
But in general, Fetterman said the festival is an effort to give back to Butler’s community. Fetterman said she is thankful for community members who helped organize the two days of festivities, from Mayor Bob Dandoy to the city police department and many individuals and businesses.
“This festival is hopefully going to get people downtown, see what we have to offer, see our town’s life, get business into the businesses here and just celebrate,” Fetterman said.
