I just returned from Greensboro's first Italian Festival which is being held downtown on Elm St.
It was extremely well attended. Quite evident were the many attendees of Italian descent who seemed eager for this type of event. There were also a fair number of booths, although the festival was a bit short on food. One booth served some great gelato, and Alex's had several varieties of Italian pastries. There was also some musical entertainment. The Sons of Italy chapter from Winston Salem had a table, and was attempting to drum up interest for a new chapter here.
It is certainly a beautiful day for a festival, and that undoubtedly influenced the high turnout.
Planners tend to build on this type of event year by year; and to learn from their previous experiences. I look forward to next year if the organizers do it again; and I appreciate their efforts.
It's nice to hear there was a good turnout.
Posted by: Brandon Burgess | November 08, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Yes, Brandon. I think it caught the two main food vendors and the festival organizers a bit off guard. Riva's Trattoria ran out of food within two hours, and L'Italiano Pizza had a line that stretched probably close to two dozen long.
But it was really a pleasant surprise to see such a big crowd turn out. And of course, it was not just folks of Italian descent who were there.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | November 08, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Where was Giacamo? Or is there a Sicilian/Italian purity rift that prevents participation?
Posted by: hugh | November 08, 2009 at 07:58 PM
My wife asked the same question, Hugh. We wondered whether, since this was a downtown Greensboro function, whether they were only having downtown Greensboro food vendors. But I don't know for sure.
I don't think it was an Italian/Sicilian thing. Maybe they elected not to participate, or did not know about it; but they would have made an awful lot of money today based on the crowds I saw.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | November 08, 2009 at 08:16 PM
I think I read there were CANNOLI served. If so. Then there were Sicilians in the festival. Because CANNOLI is a Sicilian THING. Not ITALIAN. Tony
Posted by: Tony Racina | November 09, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Good point, Tony.:)
Yes, there were cannoli, and they were good-- thanks to Cheesecakes by Alex.
Posted by: Joe Guarino | November 09, 2009 at 09:24 PM