CLARKSBURG -- The Delallo West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival and The Clarksburg Exponent and Telegram newspapers are teaming up to promote the city's premier festival.

The festival, entering its 23rd year, is recognized as one of the best in West Virginia, bringing thousands of people to the downtown area for the three-day event during the Labor Day Weekend.

The newspapers have agreed to sponsor the festival's grand parade, as well as other events.

"We realize the festival is important to Clarksburg, Harrison County and West Virginia," said Cecil Jarvis, the newspapers' vice president. "While we have provided outstanding coverage of past festivals, we're glad to be more involved to help provide even more exposure.

"It's part of our commitment to being a good community partner. We're glad to add the festival to the list of other events we're involved with."

Festival chairman Michael A. Fusco said he was thrilled the newspapers have agreed to be a major sponsor, and thanked Jarvis and newspaper marketing director Mickey Carlock for working with his committee.

"It is only by the local support of our corporate sponsors that we are able to have this festival year after year with top entertainers free of charge," Fusco said.

The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival is one of many community projects sponsored in part by the newspapers. The Clarksburg Exponent and Telegram also help sponsor the Greater Clarksburg 10K Run, the annual Wheeling Symphony Concert in the Park fireworks, the Barbour County Fair and the Benedum Festival (in conjunction with its sister newspaper, The Bridgeport News.)