The Warren (OH) Italian-American Heritage Festival brings back former residents and attracts out-of-town guests every year. One visitor isn’t welcome this year (or any year) — rain. After heavy storms affected last year’s event, Corey Hovance, president of the festival’s board, referred to this weekend’s event as its “redemption year.”

“Being the perfectionist I am, it took a while to soak in that we did everything we could do about the weather last year,” he said. “We’re just looking forward to having a rain-free weekend during the festival this year to bring back all of those great memories and we’re looking forward to having a good time again.”