Tony Caputo, whose grandfather immigrated from Italy to Carbon County in 1913, cites olive oil as the most important Italian culinary contribution.

"It is the oldest food product in the world, and it was used for many years as a sustenance," Caputo said. "It wasn't just a condiment, it was a large part of people's lives. In very bad times, olive oil and bread was a dinner. It was used as a balm for skin and for fuel. It was a large part of people's lives. The Greeks probably had it first, but the large influx of Italians to America popularized it."

Ferragosto celebrates these foods and all other things Italian.

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If you go

What: Ferragosto, The Italian Cultural Street Fair

Where: Pioneer Park, 300 South and 300 West

When: Saturday, noon-10 p.m.

How much: Free

Phone: 236-6014

Web: Italiancenterutah.com

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E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com