Dolce Mia's Bakery made more than 1,400 meatballs for sale during the four-day Butler Italian Festival, and sold out its portions within two hours of opening each day.

“This was the best festival I've ever done,” said Maria Stephenson, owner of the bakery.

The bakery was one of several food vendors which repeatedly sold out and had to replenish their goods for long lines of customers.

Michael Dongilli, co-organizer of the festival, said that between 12,000 and 15,000 people attended the festival. He said the organizers expected between 10,000 and 20,000, so anywhere in between those numbers is a “major success.”

“It's incredible for a first-year festival,” he said.

Dongilli also said County Festivals LLC, which runs the festival, wants to return next year.

“We want it to be bigger, and bring more entertainment and food vendors in,” he said.

He said the music, which included Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tribute artists, was the biggest draw. He also complimented the crowd.

“No one was disruptive,” Dongilli said. “Everybody pretty much appreciated and respected what we were doing.”

Patti Schvabenitz, of Patti's Pastries, said her business was more successful at the Butler Italian Festival than at Little Italy Days in Pittsburgh.

“I didn't expect this,” she said. “It's been nonstop since Friday night.”

St. Michael the Archangel Parish ran a food tent, and St. Michael member Jim Direnzo said he also was surprised with the amount of people.

“It would be nice to see more local vendors next year,” Direnzo said.

Butler Mayor Tom Donaldson was complimentary.

“I think this event couldn't be categorized as anything less than a major success,” he said.

Attendees also enjoyed the festival. Mike McCracken of Butler called the event “a good idea.”

“Downtown should have more of this kind of stuff,” he said.

Diane Ventura of Center Township predicted the festival will grow.

“This will be three times the size next year,” she said.

Stephenson was heartened that Butler had such a strong turnout.

“I never thought this area could support a four-day festival, and I was proven wrong,” she said. “I only wish my Italian ancestors were here to see this, because it would have made them so happy.”