The frantic clack ing of a spinning money wheel and the wafting scents of marinara sauce and fried foods on Wilson Avenue can mean only one thing: the annual Italian Fraternal Home Mount Carmel Festival has once again arrived. Though drivers passing through Girard could easily miss the festival if they didn’t know where to look, tens of thousands will find their way to the gathering through Tuesday.

The festival, which opened Friday, has all the staples of an ethnic neighborhood celebration: food vendors selling everything from bracciole to rolled ice cream, live music, games and beer. In addition, Girard’s Mount Carmel Festival closes its celebration with a parade to St. Rose Church and a fireworks show by Zambelli later that night.