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.