Thunder Bay — The 35th annual Festa Italiana is wrapping up Sunday evening, at 9p.m, with live music and a full crowd, bringing a joyful close to the long weekend.
Held August 3 and 4 at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street, the event drew thousands of visitors to celebrate Italian heritage through food, entertainment, and community gathering.
“It was so far so good,” said Benny Melchiorre, festival chairman. “Yesterday, we had a steady line-up. We had the crowd all day. It was a little hot, but today we have a breeze, so we expect a bigger crowd here.”
Festa Italiana began in 1991 as what Melchiorre described as “a small gathering for a few families.” He said, "It turned out to be one of the biggest festivals in northwestern Ontario."
“The idea is to promote our culture and tradition with the rest of the community and pass it on to the next generation of Canadian Italians,” he said.
This year’s festivities included live music, traditional Italian cuisine, children’s games, beer gardens, and fan favourites like spaghetti, watermelon, and Jell-O eating contests. One lucky attendee also won a trip for two to Italy in the festival’s free grand prize draw.
Melchiorre believes the festival’s popularity comes down to friendship and community spirit. “It's the friendship and it’s free attendance," he said, "but it’s the people who look forward all year to come here. They make new friends. They see old friends. Since day one, it’s gotten bigger and bigger.”
Hosted by the Italian Society of Port Arthur, Festa Italiana remains a beloved summer tradition for Thunder Bay residents and visitors alike.
