An Italian neighborhood in Latrobe celebrates its heritage

Karen Gross couldn’t contain her excitement as she ambled through Latrobe’s first Italian festival Saturday afternoon, eagerly talking about her family’s roots in the city’s 1st Ward.

“My family is from Latrobe,” Gross said. “508 Ligonier St., which is right next to 512, is where my grandparents owned the house; my mother and dad lived there when they were married; I lived there when I was born. This is my old stomping ground.”

The Italian festival, hosted by Michael Ciotti, owner of 512 Coffee and Ice Cream, took over Thompson Street between Ligonier and S. Alexandria streets.

This year’s event continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Gross’ former family home is near the intersection of Thompson and Ligonier streets, a short distance from the 70 vendors who set up shop, welcoming people as they filtered in and out of the festival.

Food trucks and a stage featuring a trio played song covers such as “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down were set up in the Johnson Family Eye Care parking lot.

A few hundred people took advantage of the festival despite cloudy skies, enjoying ice cream or playing bocce at one of two courts along Ligonier Street.

“It’s amazing,” Gross said. “It just brings back memories of when town was just so community-oriented and booming. It’s nice to see everyone supporting a neighborhood. I know this is part of Latrobe, but this is my neighborhood.”

The event was created by Ciotti, who is Italian. The goal, Ciotti said, is to highlight the Italians who lived in that area of Latrobe.

“It’s going well. Everything’s going smooth,” he said. “We’ve got good weather. … Everyone’s really excited about the venue. They’re enjoying it.”

Ciotti noted the building that houses the coffee shop also has Italian roots.

One of Latrobe’s oldest 19th century homes, the building once was owned by the Latrobe Sons of Little Italy and featured a bocce court in the backyard.

While the event was geared toward Italian heritage, several people who attended enjoyed its community aspect.

Diane Evans of Latrobe said she attended the event because it was neighborhood-based and hosted by a Latrobe resident.

“I grew up in this town, and I’m familiar with all the different areas of town,” Evans said. “I always like whenever they have stuff like the banana split festival and everything.”

Joyce Spangler of Latrobe noted the event was within walking distance for some.

“I think they have it spaced out nicely, and I’m sure it will grow in coming years as people get wind of how it was,” Spangler said.

While the first year for the festival was just getting underway, Ciotti was quick to suggest he will host it again, expressing hopes it will get “bigger and better every year.”

“I just think it’s great for the downtown area to kind of have these festivals and just bring people in to do more than just drive through,” said Joe Gross, Karen’s husband.