The wind and rain of late Sunday afternoon may have moistened the concrete, bricks and pavement on Center Street, but it did nothing to dull or dampen the spirits or memories of the committee members or those who showed up during the weekend to celebrate the Italian heritage and enjoy the foods that go along with it.

The mostly favorable weather combined with the popularity of the entertainment to make this year's festival what many people feel was the best attended ever.

Saturday's crowd, estimated at 12,000 is believed to be the biggest single day attendance ever at the festival. Food such as sausage and grinders, pasta fagioli, fried dough, caponta and other fine Italian cuisine, including broccoli rabe with sausage, chicken or eggplant parmigiana, and, of course, pizza, may have played a role in attracting the crowds. Those that came ate until their stomachs were full, but still left room for desserts like gelato, ice cream, espresso, cappuccino, Italian ice, cannolis, and smoothies or sno-cones

The highlight of the festival was an Italian Mass celebrated on the main stage by the Rev. Frederick Aniello, of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, in Waterbury, assisted by local deacons Eugene Nebiolo and Angelo Coppola.

Approximately 1,200 people attended the Mass, which was celebrated entirely in Italian, and followed by a procession of the Maddona Della Stradda, or "St. Mary of the Streets," led by a full marching band and members of UNICO, the Sons of Italy and the Knights of Columbus.

The march went from the main stage up Center Street, to Liberty Street, where it took a right. It went down Liberty Street and turned right on West Center Street, followed by a right on South Center Street and back up Center Street to the stage, where the Maddona Della Stradda was kept on display for the remainder of the festival.

The faithful that made the trek did so to pay homage to the "Blessed Mother" by following her in prayer as they marched through the downtown area.

One of first-time festival events held this year was a homemade wine-making contest, which offered 47 local winemakers the chance to showcase their creations.

When the grapes settled, Carmine Mennone's 2007 Zinfandel took home the first prize trophy, along with $200 and a $100 gift certificate to Northeast Produce, of Plainville, a local supplier of grapes and wine making equipment.

Frank Cocozza's 2007 Zinfandel blend won second pace honors, and $150 and a $50 gift certificate to Northeast Produce, while the tag team of Carmine Votino and Bill DellaVecchia was the third place finisher. Their 2006 Zinfandel was worth $75 to them, along with a $50 gift certificate to Northeast Produce.

One of the people who attended the Sunday festivities was Aaron Caruso, who headlined Saturday night's entertainment and performed at the Mass.

"I've been appearing here for four years now, and I sang at the Mass this morning," Caruso said, "but I never really got a feel about what else went on at the festival. I do have friends in town, so I thought I'd kind of hang around this year, listen to the groups and take a walk around and see what the festival is all about.

"I knew from my past visits that it was a great festival, and now I'm finding out why."

Festival co-chairman Joe LaPorte called the event "a wonderful festival. It was a great weekend, and one enjoyed by many, many people. I've heard nothing but favorable comments since it ended."

Art Secondo, president and chief executive officer of the Southington Chamber of Commerce, called the festival "a throwback to what many regard as ‘old Southington.' It reunited old friends and gave the local Italians a renewed pride in their heritage.

"The entertainment was superb, "Secondo continued, "and the reactions from members of the crowd were extremely complimentary towards our effort which began back in February.

"Our vendors were pleased and so were the patrons. Outside of the rain storm that cut the festival short by three hours, we consider this another successful event."

As far as the next festival goes, both LaPorte and Secondo felt it could be something special.

"Next year's festival will be held on the weekend of July 24, 25, 26, and we hope to have something unique planned to celebrate what will be our fifth anniversary," LaPorte said.

Secondo said, "We hope we can return to the same location next year, but it all depends on the progress of the Meridian project and whether or not we will be forced to relocate. There is another location option on the table - the field behind Derynoski School, which is large enough to handle our tents and stage area. We'll make that decision next winter."