Clarksburg community leaders worked diligently to create this wonderful street festival and bring it to life. In 1979, the first West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival was born. The creators and benefactors who contributed long hours and planning sessions are now part of the Hall of Fame and were the first WVIHF Foundation Members. These members include Louis Spatafore, Sam Chico*, Sam D'Annunzio*, Frank Iaquinta*, James D. Larosa *, John Manchin* in union with Alma (Merle) Moore*, who was the Harrison County Public Library Director, at the time.