WHEELING -- The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival will run from 11 to 11 on Saturday. Special events at Heritage Port will include a Veterans Appreciation Ceremony at noon, along with a pizza eating contest.

At 1pm, entertainer Joe Piscopo will serve as Master of Ceremonies for a performance by The Fiellas. They will be followed the The Fabulous Bender Boys. Music will continue all day.

At 8pm scholarships will be presented to the winners, followed by The Howard Orchestra.

The Toys will perform at 8:30, with fireworks at 9:30, then The Toys take the stage again at 10:15pm.

There is no admission charge to the Italian Festival, which enjoys a wonderful reputation for its wide variety of Italian, American and other ethnic foods.