Journal-News.com

Sal Wertheim has an interesting perspective on Newport's annual Italianfest.

The city's special events coordinator, who was born to German parents who raised him in Argentina, looks forward the ethnic festival each. In part, because people seem to have a good time, especially with the cooking contest.

"Everyone thinks their sauce is the best," he said. "They bring in lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs and other dishes, but each contestant thinks they're better than the others."

Judges—usually some of the older Italian residents from Newport and select officials — will have their say during the four-day event at Newport's Riverboat Row, and so will an estimated 100,000 guests who are expected to participate.

The gathering is considered a "Top 20" event by the Southeast Tourism Society, according to Newport officials. Live Italian music and performances from the Pete Wagner Band, the Fiesta Dancers (they've added Italian dancing to their routine), Ray Massa, and Diamanti and Moreno Fruzzetti are part of the lineup. Also included at the festival are a pizza eating contest, games, rides and fireworks. Harbor cruises will be launched at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

"We've been at this for 16 years," Wertheim said. In addition to the festival's ongoing efforts to recognize elderly residents who are of Italian heritage, the city is creating an Honored Italian-American Sons and Daughters Award; it will be given to an individual who has made a difference in Newport and to Italianfest.

The fun this year includes "My Mom, the Cook," an effort to gather photographs and related family stories from area residents. The only requirement is that the person being written about is Italian or married to an Italian.

That's all well and good, but what, exactly, does Northern Kentucky have to do with a country that's two whole continents away?

Wertheim explains:

"There used to be a whole neighborhood in Newport where most of the residents were Italian. It was called Spaghetti Knob because it sits up on a hill," he said.

"The festival itself remains popular because of what it is and what we do in terms of honoring the oldest living Italians in the area and our efforts to maintain some of that Italian legacy."

how to go

WHAT: Italianfest.

WHERE: Newport's Riverboat Row, between the Taylor-Southgate and L&N Bridges.

WHEN: Thurs., June 7-Sun., June 10. Fireworks display 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

COST: Free.

MORE INFO: (859) 292-3666; newportky.gov.