From penne, lasagna and meatballs, to the always popular gnocchi, there was no shortage of classic Italian dishes being served this weekend.
Festa Italiana in Thunder Bay celebrated its 35th year on Sunday and Monday at the Italian Cultural Centre, drawing in thousands of people over the two days.
“It has been great so far,” Benny Melchiorre, Festa Italiana chairman, said on Monday. “(Sunday) we had a steady lineup since 12 p.m. The entertainment was great. (Monday) we are expecting a better turnout.”
The two-day festival included traditional Italian dance performances by Thunder Bay’s Stelle Alpine Dancers and Italian Touch Ladies Style Latino. Musical performances included The Sensational Hot Rods, Hollies, V3nom, Throwback, and Viva.
But one of the biggest draws this year was the possibility of winning a free trip to Italy for two just by attending the festival.
“It hasn’t been free for years,” Melchiorre said. “So this year it’s a free trip. We send two people to Italy or you can take cash money. So that’s one of the biggest attractions.”
Aside from possibly receiving a chance to visit Italy, those who came out had a taste of the Mediterranean nation with traditional dishes prepared by the Italian Cultural Centre and other vendors being served up.
“A lot of people just come and go and get takeout and take it home and stock up for the weekend,” Melchiorre said.
“That’s one of the main attractions, the food. A lot of people look forward to that all year.”
Melchiorre said the festival still isn’t quite to where it was pre-pandemic but he hopes next year they will make it there and perhaps even bring back the popular firework shows that concluded each evening.
Dining and Cooking