The Lackawanna County commissioners mark the 50th year of La Festa Italiana. The event was established in 1976 as a way of honoring Italian heritage and to also celebrate the nation’s Bicentennial, and has become one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. The festival has evolved from a Columbus Day weekend event to a four-day Labor Day party. From left: Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Thom Welby; Chris DiMattio, La Festa president; Karen Clifford, Colby Cali, Joe Guido and attorney Frank Castellano, La Festa committee members; and Commissioner Chris Chermak.
