Dr. Chris Loretto, a director of the Porcupine Dante Club, recently announced that Timmins will host a Festa Italia on Sunday July 30, 2017 along Cedar St. South, from First Avenue to Second Avenue.
"This coming summer, we are going to turn it up a notch," said Dr. Loretto. "We are going to launch Timmins' first Festa Italia."
The event is being made possible with the co-operation of the Downtown Timmins Business Association, of which the Dante Club is an associate member.
"I think it's a tremendous idea, and an opportunity for the City of Timmins and all its people," said Noella Rinaldo, the executive director of the DBIA and also the councillor for the city's ward five.
"This is an opportunity for all of Timmins to come, down and enjoy what the Dante Club has to offer, for the entire family, " said Dr. Loretto.
"It's also a time for the rest of Timmins, that don't know us to get to know us a little better, " added Dr. Loretto
In addition to being able to sample a variety of Italian foods, those attending Festa Italia will be able to also view and participate in a variety of Italian cultural events as well.
"We are still at the organizing phase, but we hope to have a stage where performers can sing Italian songs and dances," said Dr. Loretto. "And whatever else the community can come up with."
In addition to the Festa Italia on Sunday July 30th, the Dante Club will also be hosting a golf tournament at Spruce Needles golf course the day before on Saturday July 29th.
"If you love golf, come out and participate in our golf tournament," said Dr. Loretto.
Rinaldo whose organization the Downtown Business Improvement Association, hosts a summer long event called Urban Park, said this Festa Italia is outside of the scope of Urban Park as it happens on a weekend and strictly speaking the portion of Cedar St. S. south of Second Avenue is outside of the DBIA boundary.
But the are close enough.
"It won't be the first time we have co-sponsored an event on a weekend," noted Rinaldo.
"Last year we closed down Second Ave. from Cedar S. to Balsam S. for Bacon Fest," she added. "This year will we close Cedar St. S. from Second Avenue to First Avenue."
However, as he Timmins Fire Department is localted on Cedar Avenue S. just south of Second Ave despite the closing of Cedar St. S., the fire trucks will still have priority if a fire call needs to be made explained Rinaldo.
"We have worked out a protocol that we have us clear the area in front of the fire hall so the fire trucks can attend to a fire call without delay," said Rinaldo.
Both Dr. Loretto and Councilor Rinaldo agreed that this summer of 2017 will be a very exciting time for Timmins.
"It could be an exciting evolution for how we in Timmins celebrate our culture," said Rinaldo. "I hope we can see more of these festivals in other neighbourhoods that celebrate our ethnic diversity."
This year being Canada's 150 anniversary there will be plenty to celebrate in Timmins. Even Urban Park, which traditionally opened after Canada Day, is looking to open the week before according to Rinaldo.
Last year, Urban Park — which had been traditionally tied to Third Avenue between Cedar St. S. and Spruce St. S. — decided to take its events and farmers markets to several different locations around the Downtown Business Improvement Area.
The Dante Club has been in existence since 1952 when several members of the Italian community thought it would be a great idea to have a permanent building to hold celebrations and honour the Italian community.
The Dante Club is named after Italian writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri who is most remembered for his epic story the Divine Comedy written during the 15th century .
For more information on the Porcupine Dante Club please visit: https://facebook.com/pages/Porcupine-Dante-Club/130301553667243
