More than a century ago, many people were crossing the Atlantic looking for a new life in America. Some of them landed in West Virginia, working in the coal mines and the glass factories. A large percentage of those immigrants were from Italy. They settled here and worked hard, started families and became a driving force in their communities.

They not only brought with them a strong work ethic and devotion to family, they also brought their Italian culture — food, drink and music. And it was no surprise when, in the 1970s, Italian-Americans established what would become a big annual gathering in downtown Clarksburg every Labor Day weekend. The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival marks its 38th year this weekend, and it promises to be a busy time for people from all around the region and the country to get together, meet old friends and connect with family.

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Source: http://www.theet.com/