As the Rathdrum Prairie is developed, Scarcellos stick to tradition

Established in 1910, Scarcellos continue ranching legacy of their forefathers

Moss grows on gray, weathered wooden fenceposts held up by rusting barbed wire along the dusty drive. Black Angus cattle grazes in shady patches, avoiding the intense July heat. Laughter can be heard before people are seen beneath a blue tarp canopy, grilling brats and burgers, sipping Coors Banquets and telling tales — some tall, some true — of growing up in the country. “Hey, how you doing?” Laurin Scarcello asks, greeting cousins and friends with hugs and handshakes. “Make yourself at home.” The gathering of members of the Scarcello, Dingman, Miller, Brunner, Bonu, D'Ambrosia and Dempsey families and more happens every even year at the Scarcello ranch, where the family’s American dream first unfolded. The celebration is held to commemorate the continuation of a legacy that began when four Italian immigrant brothers sought better lives for their family and set down roots on the Rathdrum Prairie, of all places.