“We are pleased to welcome fashion leader and wine owner Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. to the festival,” said Italian Association of Arizona Founder Dario Soldan, in a prepared statement. (Submitted Photos/DigitalFreePress)
Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
The Italian Association of Arizona is announcing its 10th annual Italian Festival at Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront, where attendees can experience Italy in the Valley from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.
The two-day festival will bring back its theme “La Strada del Vino,” translated directly as the street of wine, offering visitors new opportunities to experience Italian cuisine, wine, live entertainment and a special Italian guest star in honor of the festival’s 10th anniversary.
“We are pleased to welcome fashion leader and wine owner Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. to the festival,” said Italian Association of Arizona Founder Dario Soldan, in a prepared statement. “As part of the iconic designer family, Mr. Ferragamo Jr.’s attendance highlights the strong unity of the Italian community, and we look forward to celebrating our wonderful culture in Scottsdale.”
Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., the grandchild of Salvatore Ferragamo, the fashion designer and founder of the renowned Italian luxury fashion house known for its shoes and accessories since 1927, will be this year’s special guest.
Ferragamo’s grandson owns part of the family wine company out of Tuscany, Il Borro, a super Tuscan wine producer, and Pinino, a Brunello wine producer. There will be a Ferragamo wine station open throughout the entire weekend of the festival, offering wine bottles and tastings. Ferragamo Jr. will attend the event briefly on Sunday afternoon.
The two-day festival will feature over 30 wines from various regions in Italy, new Valley food vendors such as Luna by Giada and Elephante, along with returning favorites like Pomo Pizzeria, Mamma Lucy, Marcellino Ristorante and several others. Merchant vendors such as Outrageous Oils, Italian Harmony and Mamma Letizia will offer a selection of curated Italian products at the event.
Additional items available include ceramic pottery from Lome, handcrafted apparel from Tea n Lace, jewelry, leather handbags and original artwork.
This year, the festival will feature two stages with live entertainment along the waterfront. Programming includes cooking demonstrations from the festival’s title sponsor, Greco & Sons, music performances by Ripalta Bufo, Sima and her All-Star Quartet, the Steve Ansel band and various street performers, including a group of 15 flag twirlers from Asti, Italy. Children can also enjoy face painting and balloon making at the event.
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