THUNDER BAY – Twenty-five years ago Benny Melchiorre wanted to ensure the city didn’t lose its distinct Italian flavour.
Now, a quarter of a century later, an event he and a group of volunteers helped start has become one of the biggest festivals in the region.
The 25th annual Festa Italiana is set for Sunday and Monday in and around the Italian Cultural Centre, offering visitors the opportunity to feel like they have been whisked away to Italy.
“Our idea was to build and have a little Italy on this side of the ocean,” Melchiorre said at a Thursday afternoon media conference in advance of the festival.
“We want to keep our tradition, language and our culture alive and share it with the rest of the community and our next generation of Italian-Canadians.”
Festa Italiana will feature a number of entertainment options, such as local performers like the Le Stelle Alpine Dancers and the Flamenco Caravan along with singers Shayne Stolz and Maria Tassone.
There will also be a draw for a trip for two to Italy, with proceeds going towards the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
But the festival, which over the past 10 years has averaged a total weekend attendance of nearly 25,000 people, is best known known for its culinary delights
From pasta and meatballs to gnocchi to cristoli, the taste and aroma of delectable Italian fare will fill the Bay and Algoma area.
“There’s something happening all the time. We have children’s activities and there’s never a dull moment,” Melchiorre said.
The festival area and beer gardens open at noon on both days with entertainment scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening.
Each night will conclude with a fireworks display.
More festival information can be found online.
