THUNDER BAY — The Da Vinci Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Fort William’s East End this weekend.
“Da Vinci Centre is a name our society started in the East End of the city and it’s 116 years old...,” said Dominic Falcetta, the association’s president.
“We were the first Italian society in Thunder Bay and we’ve grown.”
Starting with a dinner on Friday, the celebration continued with family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the day on Saturday and more are planned for its Kids’ Fun Day on Sunday.
"It was a fantastic dinner and that was a good kick-off," said Falcetta.
“We put on a beautiful dinner. We had an illusionist… It was Mackinley (who) showed up. He did a few card tricks with us, totally amazing and the people that showed up for the dinner, they were totally, totally amazed with our dinner,” he added.
“And I wish we had more people, but we had 200 people (in the main hall) and that was sufficient.”
While the association holds the festival annually, this weekend it will ramp it up with various kids’ games, face painting, crafts, a bouncy castle, a food and beer tent, live stage entertainment and a dunk tank.
“What we’re doing here is a big festival. If you can look around the yard here, we’re all set up for people and patrons to show up,” said Falcetta, who noted he would also be participating in the dunk tank.
The Alpini Choir, Kaminari Wan Taiko, Ironlace Jazz, the Robin Ranger Trio featuring Mario Potestio and Dino Pepe, Italian Touch Latin Dancers featuring ‘Sing with Mr. B,’ Quest, Le Stelle Alpini Dancers, Mackinley’s Delusions and a Saturday night feature band Urban Hip will also take the stage over the weekend.
In addition to these festivities, five food vendors, including the centre, will sell a variety of items, such as spaghetti, gnocchi, elephant ears, homemade Italian sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and more.
“We’ve got it, so whatever you fancy we have,” said Falcetta.
They’re ready to go, he added.
The festival will run from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Sunday, it will also be part of its members’ picnic.
“We’re not doing the Chippewa thing like we usually do every year, but we’re doing the picnic here because we have everything incorporated with that,” said Falcetta.
“So, our members will be here tomorrow if they’re not here today and they’ll be getting their picnic food.”
