The Niles Times
The 76th annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival will be held today to Sunday at the church grounds, 381 Robbins Ave.
This year's offerings include a street fair with homemade food, children's amusement rides, raffle, bingo and nightly live entertainment. A fireworks display will conclude the celebration at 10 p.m. Sunday.
Article Photos
The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival opens today at the church grounds at 381 Robbins Ave. Pictured preparing peppers for sausage sandwiches from left are: Jo Marrara, Stephanie Preston and Theresa Lorenzetti. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today to Friday. Festival hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Entertainment is John Gabriel from 5 to 7 p.m. and Rex Taneri Band from 7 to 11 p.m. today, Rocky Chirchiglia Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, John Gabriel from 5 to 7 p.m. and Jim Frank Trio Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jim Frank from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and Frank Gallo Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Tonelli Band from 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday.
In neighboring Girard, the Italian Fraternal Home will conclude its five-day Mount Carmel Festival on Thursday.
The festival in Niles is expected to include stacks of hot dogs, pepperoni rolls and sausage sandwiches ready for attendees. The peppers for pizza and sandwiches have been sliced, sauce has been cooked and pizzas are ready for baking. And of course, the iconic cheese puffs have been filled and pinched and are ready for frying.
Niles resident Geri Gatta, perfected the cheese puffs more than 30 years ago.