CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — One of West Virginia’s most colorful and celebrated traditions will return to downtown Clarksburg Aug. 29-31 as the 46th Annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival brings music, food and culture to thousands of visitors over Labor Day weekend.

First held in 1979, the festival was founded by a group of community leaders, including Louis Spatafore, Sam Chico, Sam D’Annunzio, Frank Iaquinta, James D. Larosa, John Manchin and Alma “Merle” Moore, to honor the heritage of Italian-Americans in the region. Organizers say that love, pride and a commitment to preserving cultural traditions remain at the heart of the event.

“It’s not just me; many of us Italian Americans enjoy the traditions our families still carry on today. When we put this festival on, that’s ex

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