It was a festive occasion that Timmins came out and enjoyed on a warm, July 30, Sunday afternoon, in front of the Porcupine Dante Club on Cedar St. S. – the first ever Festa Italiana.
For having the inspiration to hold Festa Italiana, this week's mid-week mugging goes to The Porcupine Dante Club and its members.
Accepting the mid-week mugging on behalf of the Dante Club was general manager Domenic Flaminio.
“It was a success for everyone, not just the Dante Club, but for the vendors, and the people who came to celebrate at the First Festa Italiana, and for Timmins for having this in the first place,” said Domenic Flaminio, the General Manager of the Porcupine Dante Club.
To put on an event like Festa Italiana requires the help and participation of many people and Flaminio conveyed his thanks to the all the volunteers who made the event a success.
“We had over 50 volunteers, who came out to help set up the tents, the tables, the stage, and those who sold tickets, managed the booths, oh my god there were those that cooked the pasta sauces and roasted the pig,” itemized Flaminio. “I want to thank them all for their contributions.”
“We had singers, dancers and even had one volunteer, Lorenzo Melchiorre, who roved around the street serenading people with his accordion,” added Flaminio.
“In fact, we had tremendous support from our executive as well as both Hector Ciccone (accordion), our president and Dr. Chris Loretto (vocals) came out and backed up our incredible singer Domenic Colantonio sing a variety of Italian classic songs like O Sole Mio,” added Flaminio.
Kristen Loretto also provided some operatic-like singing of Italian favourites on Sunday afternoon July 30th.
Things actually got underway on Saturday July 29, with the Meatball Golf Classic at the Spruce Needles Golf Course. About 100 golfers took part. The event included a frozen meatball putting contest.
Flaminio expressed appreciation for the great support provided by Councillor Noella Rinaldo who is also the executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement Association.
“The DBIA was great in helping us with the street closure and other aspects of the setting up Festa Italiana,” Flaminio stated.
“Mayor Black, Councillor Michael Doody were very supportive of the event and we are grateful for the Mayor’s declaration of Festa Italiana Day, and the flag raising ceremony at city hall, earlier in the week,” acknowledge Flaminio.
And to top it off the weather, despite a brief, 15-minute shower, fully cooperated by being warm and sunny – just right for an afternoon celebration.
“The weather was really nice – a little bit of a sprinkle — but a great day,” said Flaminio
“And that contributed to the overall success, people supported the vendors that showed up – for example the Fromagerie Kapuskasing sold out of their cheese products and left by about 2 p.m.,” Flaminio said. “The ice cream truck left at three because of people bought out all of their ice cream supplies.”
Another factor that contributed to the success, was the activities for the children, such as the wax hand centre where children made wax impressions of their own hand to take home.
“Festa Italiana was a success for all of Timmins,” said Flaminio. “We are looking forward to our second Festa Italiana next year.”
And who knows in following years other communities may also organize celebrations of their cultures and provide a summer long celebration in Timmins, the city with a heart of gold.
