Bellaire Sons of Italy are in the kitchen making their iconic sausage sandwiches

Bellaire, OHIO (WTRF) – We’re days out from the start of the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival.

In Bellaire, the Sons of Italy Lodge members are making the sausages for their Italian sausage sandwich booth which has been a staple of the festival since 1983.

This year they started with 1,160 pounds of pork which was delivered yesterday.

They cut, season and grind the meat, feed it into the casings and cut the links into the exact length they need for the perfect sandwich. They are experienced and organized.

“Everyone goes in their assigned position and does a job. And believe me, everything goes so smoothly. it’s very good to watch. They could talk back and forth if they want to, but most of the time they’re just concentrating on their work. I’ve been told several times that’s the reason people come to Wheeling to the festival. They want sausage sandwiches.”

Bill Ault, President, Sons of Italy, Bellaire Lodge

Today they stuffed the final 500 pounds of sausage.

They have 16 volunteers in the kitchen and many others who will work the booth at the festival. The sandwiches will be grilled with peppers and onions and served on a soft Italian bun. The price is still $8.

This is just a sneak peak. We’ll have the full story Friday in our special festival edition of 7News at 5 and 6.

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