Festival so magnifico
ONE of North Queensland’s most iconic cultural festivals, the Australian Italian Festival, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Ingham this year.
Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the town was turning all shades of red, white and green to celebrate the major milestone.
“Every year, this festival sees our little town come together to celebrate the enormous contribution made by the Italian community,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate all those hardworking volunteers and sponsors who have helped make this festival such an enduring success.”
Mr Dametto, who himself has Italian heritage and strong farming ties to the Herbert River district, said the festival welcomed “people of all cultures with open arms”.
Australian Italian Festival director Donna Zanotto said the event showcased the culture and heritage of the migrants who came to this region.
“It has become an Australian and internationally renowned event and helped put Ingham and the Hinchinbrook shire on the map,” she said.
“The community is gearing up for relatives and friends coming from all over Australia and overseas.”
Ms Zanotto said the Hair, Fashion and Bridal Spectacular held at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall tomorrow and the Masquerade Gala Dinner on Friday before this weekend’s festival were “not to be missed”.
“The Hair, Fashion and Bridal Spectacular showcases our boutiques and hairdressers and is an opportunity for brides to relive their special day,” Ms Zanotto said.
She said the dinner marked the festival’s official opening and would be attended by many VIPS.
“There will be amazing entertainment, such as MC and Melbourne comedian James Liotta, entertainers Attori performing a cabaret-style show, A Night in Italy, while tenor Paul Gulinello and show band Memory Lane will have revellers dancing.”
A festival highlight will be a group of flag throwers direct from Italy.
“They will join over a hundred other entertainers from all over Australia,” Ms Zanotto said.
“The business community around Ingham is also looking forward to the event, as it brings thousands of new faces through the doors.”
There are more than 170 volunteers working at this year’s festival with 25 co-ordinators all working together to create the spectacular event.
“We all have one aim, which is to present a successful festival that Ingham and North Queensland can be proud of,” Ms Zanotto said.
The Australian Italian Festival will be held at Ingham’s Tyto Entertainment Precinct on August 3 and 4.
For details and to buy tickets, visit australianitalian festival.com.au, call 4776 5288 or search “Australian-italian Festival” on Facebook.