OBSERVER Photo by Jo Ward Crowds wander through the third-annual Italian Festival at Barker Commons on Saturday.

The third-annual Italian Festival was held on Saturday in Barker Commons to celebrate Italian Heritage in the village and surrounding areas.

Artisans came out to sell their wares and food vendors and restaurants from Fredonia sold various foods from Italian beef sandwiches to tripe.

“It’s great!” Frank Bennice, a WWII Veteran who’s son owned a food truck there exclaimed happily.

“The weather is holding up real nice. There’s good food, Italian Sausage and the curly fries! Amazing!”

When asked of his Italian heritage he smiled and said “I’m Italian all the way!”

Linda Liedke, one of the Italian Festival Organizers spoke of the history of the event and how much planning goes into producing it every year.

“The committee meets every month religiously and then the last couple of months we meet almost every week. Mr. Steven Keefe, former Fredonia mayor, originated this idea a few years ago, so we all just came together to help him”

There are six members on the committee, everyone has respective jobs and volunteers their time in creating a perfect exhibition of Italian pride. Liedke however wanted to thank someone else, who helped in making the event even better than the year before.”A big shout out to Larry Fiorella, president of Festivals Fredonia. He’s been so helpful in procuring vendors and just helping overall with everything.”

Larry Fiorella talked of the turn-out and his feelings on its important to the village as it grows and changes.

“This is the best turn-out in the three years it’s been running. It’s grown on a much larger scale as far as vendors are concerned. For instance we have two more food vendors than last year” he said.

“If you’re of Italian heritage in any way, come out and celebrate that here. What better thing to do on a weekend then to celebrate your heritage!”