Three festivals will dominate this weekend in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.
In Youngstown, the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival opens today, with vendors of delicious Italian food, nonstop entertainment and the ever-popular Italian auction in the church hall.
The OLMC fest will take a rock turn Friday evening when RDNA takes the outdoor stage at 8:15 p.m.
It takes place at the OLMC Basilica grounds, off Watt Street near downtown.
Hours are 5-10 p.m. today through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. There is an admission charge. Parking is free at several downtown lots along East Commerce and East Federal streets, with shuttle service to the grounds.
The Warren Greek Fest also is underway and runs through Sunday at St. Demetrios church, 3223 Atlantic St. NE.
Hours are 4-10 p.m. today, 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-9 p.m Sunday. Admission and parking are free. To learn more, visit the festival’s Facebook page.
In Sharon, Pa., the first of two WaterFire festivals will take place Saturday. It’s an artsy event that takes over the downtown, with live music and vendors and a car show.
The festival reaches a fever pitch when the sun sets, with the lighting of the WaterFire iron globe at 9 p.m. on the State Street Bridge, followed by the lighting of the wood-burning braziers moored to the surface of the Shenango River. It’s a sight to behold. Admission is free. Go to WaterFireSharonPA.org. The second WaterFire festival will take place Sept. 20.
For a complete look at everything going on in the Mahoning Valley, check out The List.
Pictured at top: Torches line the State Street Bridge in Sharon, Pa., during a past WaterFire festival. (Photo by Leanne Lee)