The Italian American of the Year, scholarship award winners, and new additions made for a big night for the Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival.

“This is really what it’s all about,” Board President Michele Fabbro said. “Honor Herk (Sparachane) and honor the young people. That’s what our mission is.”

Folks from across the Ohio Valley got together Wednesday at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville to honor a few individuals throughout Brooke, Belmont, Hancock, Jefferson, Marshall, and Ohio counties.

"Our Italian American of the Year is Herk Sparachane, who’s a part of the Undo’s family,” Chairman of the Board Tony Filberto said. “Very nice to give him that honor. And, of course, the students from each county we cover receiving the scholarships we’ve been giving for many years.”

Since 1983, high school students have been receiving thousands to help further their education.

"For most of us, this will be the first time we meet these young people,” Fabbro said. “It’s great to finally honor them and learn about who they are and where they’re going. Up until today, they were just a name on a certificate.”

The acknowledgment is just another step towards the massive July celebration.

The festival will include a few new and returning features, including ones that intend to emphasize the word “heritage”.

"Little Italy is something we’re bringing back this year,” Filberto said. “We’ll have local chefs and restaurant owners. It’s a great place for information about Italian heritage and for people to just enjoy themselves.”