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Monday is Labor Day, a holiday that holds many meanings, including recognition for workers and the end of summer. In Clarksburg, Labor Day means one thing: Italian Heritage.
For over 40 years, the Italian Heritage Festival has taken over the downtown of Clarksburg. Starting on the Friday before Labor Day, and running through Sunday, visitors can enjoy the music, dancing and food of the Old Country. From Italian street food to a photo contest and traditional Italian dancing, there’s something for everyone.
“People dance in the streets, and they have a great time,” said Italian Heritage Festival board member Weege Vargo. “We have crafters, we have food, we have some demonstrations, we have face paint. There’s just many things going on, but the essence is the main stage and the vendor area of course.”
Vargo said during the festival, everyone is a little Italian.
“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our heritage, but also to share our faith, our food, our music, our culture and all of the things that go along with being Italian.”
Demographic studies in the 1970s – which Vargo helped to conduct as a student at West Virginia University – show 40% of Harrison County’s population traces their ancestors back to Italy.
She said immigration was initially driven by the coal industry, but the region’s climate, rolling hills and artisan industries soon attracted brothers and cousins to follow.
Today the festival aims to honor the past, celebrate the present and preserve the rich traditions for future generations.
“That is what people look forward to. They are looking forward to everyone gathering, everyone coming in and meeting and greeting new people, making new friends, and extending that footprint of our Italian heritage and celebration to others.”
The festival is estimated to attract more than 30,000 visitors to Clarksburg each year.
Vargo said that’s thanks to a tireless army of volunteers and city, county and state support.
“Without that collaboration and being recognized as a festival that really does contribute to the state, we just couldn’t have it,” she said. “Without volunteers, board members, sponsors and the collaboration at the city, county and state level, we wouldn’t have this festival, and I just always think it’s important to make sure those people are recognized.”