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Although the Festival takes a considerable amount of time and work, particularly the week of the Festival when some of us should pitch a tent downtown and just stay there, it can be a rewarding experience. It gives a person a great feeling to know that they have been a part of contributing to the main purposes of preserving Italian heritage and providing scholarships for area students. The people you meet throughout the state from other festivals, local businesses, entertainers and above all the volunteers who make our Festival happen are some of the greatest people you will ever be associated with.
We take the time to socialize and have fun at parties, dances, picnics, etc. as you will be able to see in the following photographs. If you would like to be part of this outstanding group the annual membership dues is minimal. Membership is not required if you would like to be a volunteer only, however it does give you voting privileges and a voice in the operation of the Foundation. You may contact any member of the Foundation for details or send an e-mail to one of the e-mail addresses on this page. We are always looking forward to meeting and including new people in our group.
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The first event of the year is the Spring Fling. Even though it does require some work it is also the first social event of the year. We eat, dance and renew acquaintances after a long Winter. If you haven't checked out the Spring Fling page yet, take a look at all the fun we had there.
During late Spring and early Summer, before the Festival, we move our meetings outside and have a covered dish picnic while there. Since some of the best cooks in the county belong to the Foundation, the food is always excellent and plentiful.
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The May meeting was concluded with a pizza party.
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Pat and Bob enjoy some conversation and a laugh while eating.
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Since it was also Fran's birthday, we had birthday cake for dessert.
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The June and July meetings were preceded by a covered dish dinner at Tim and Patty Knisely's house. The food is always excellent and plentiful. It is also a great place for the kids to roam around.
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Before and after the Mayor's Breakfast is another chance to meet new people and have a good time renewing old friendships.Check out that page for more photos.
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During the Festival you will probably see people you have not seen for a long time and have a chance to talk. Here Tom Young and Tony "Zeke" Zito get together. "Zeke" lives in Florida now and returns every year for the Festival.
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After the Festival is over and everyone gets rested, the September meeting is short and consists mainly of saying thanks to everyone involved so that we can get on with the picnic.
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The kids enjoyed the food.
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Bonnie, the chief cook and bottle washer, cooks the "steaks".
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Marsha and Zetta discuss the rules for their race.
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While the adults rest after a big meal, the kids prepare to work their meal off.
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Two potential All-Pros?
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As the night wound down and the kids got tired (they will never admit that), the marshmallows came out.
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After the Dover Christmas parade, sandwiches and hot chocolate were enjoyed at the Mason residence. More pictures from this gathering can be seen on the Parade page.
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In December, after a short business meeting, the evening concluded with a Christmas party.
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Another good time which a few members enjoy is in November when the OFEA has their annual convention in Columbus. It is an informative weekend with seminars and a chance to share thoughts with other festivals. The evenings are reserved for auditioning entertainers, approximately 30 in the two evenings. Last year ten members attended. Marsha Mari, our President was awarded the Legion of Honor by the OFEA this past year.
As you can see the Foundation subscribes to the theory that all work and no play makes members dull, or something like that.
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