YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Stromboli, pizza, cavatelli, and cannolis are just a handful of Italian options you can choose from when visiting the Greater Youngstown Italian Festival this weekend at Central Square in Downtown Youngstown.

"Last year was really tough on everybody," said John Rossetti, Italian Festival Chairman to 21 News. "It hurt a lot of people and we actually had quite a few members of the Italian Fest Committee pass away during the pandemic. So, it's nice to return to some normalcy."

The event has four city blocks of entertainment, over 30 Italian restaurants & food vendors, over two dozen retail vendors, Morra Tournament, Venetian Auction Basket Tent, Pasta Eating Contest, Homemade Wine Contest, Outdoor Sunday Mass with Procession, and 50/50 Raffle drawn nightly.

After the event was canceled last year, an even bigger crowd is expected this weekend. Thousands already lined the streets of Downtown Youngstown Friday night.

"As human beings, we want to be near each other," Rossetti said. "We want to see each other. This is our chance. I'm thrilled we could put this on this year."

2021 Greater Youngstown Italian Festival Hours:

Friday, August 6, 2021, 11:00am-11:00pm
Saturday, August 7, 2021, 1:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday, August 8, 2021, 11:00am-11:00pm

Admission is $5. Children 12 and younger are free.