No meatballs, no glory.

The Butler Italian Festival will hold a meatball-eating contest Sunday afternoon — one of many activities taking place over the inaugural four-day event this weekend.

“We're celebrating our heritage and inviting everybody out to celebrate,” said Sal Richetti, one of the festival's organizers.

The festival will include authentically Italian musical performances, Italian food and drink vendors, and activities for children.

Richetti said the festival has received “overwhelming interest” from people in Butler. Main Street will be closed during the hours of the festival each day from Jefferson Street to Diamond Street.

The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 6 p.m. Monday.

The event is free to the public, and is funded by sponsors and vendor fees. Various entertainers will grace a stage on Main Street to perform for the public.

Food vendors will offer authentic Italian cuisine, and alcoholic beverages will be available in the festival's wine and beer garden.

A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.