The Swiss Italian Festa returns on the last weekend in October with a bigger and better events list. Commencing on Thursday, October 24th with a Gala Dinner at the Farmers Arms and an invitation only VIP Launch event in the evening of Friday, October 25th at the Mineral Springs Hotel, that’s just the start of an eventful weekend.
We’ve already had the pre-cursor to the event with the Festa Lantern Parade taking place last Friday, October 5th. Sadly the original event had to be cancelled due to bad weather. The Festa Committee were really hoping to have it take place before daylight saving commenced. Nevertheless, it was a very successful event and it was lovely to see the kids with their lanterns heading down to the mineral springs.
When asked about the rest of the program for this year’s event, Steve Carr, President of the Swiss Italian Festa, said, “We’ve got more sponsors on board this year as well as a slightly larger events program for everyone to enjoy.” In the wake of the COVID years Steve said, “It was important for us as a new committee at the time to learn to crawl before we walked so we started last year’s event with a good, manageable program. This year, we’ve taken a leap forward by securing extra sponsors and increasing our events list.” Maybe this means that next year will be even better!
Steve also said, “We have a new Ambassador on board this year with Clare Gervasoni agreeing to take up the role.  Clare is a Swiss Italian descendant and the author of ‘Bullboar, Macaroni and Mineral Water; Spa Country’s Swiss and Italian Story’. Clare continues to live here and has a real interest in sharing her historical knowledge.”
So what are some of the program highlights? Of course, the ever popular Landscape Art Show returns. It’s being held at Radius Art in Hepburn and the good news is that this exhibition goes for a month, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the local landscapes on offer. All paintings are for sale with a small percentage going to the Festa and the rest to the artist.
The traditional street parade commences at 10:00 am on Saturday the 26th at Main Road and Sixth Street, Hepburn Springs and proceeds down to the Mineral Reserve. A perennial favourite with all the kids and parents, this fun parade is not to be missed. The Festa then continues at the Mineral Springs with music, food vans, wine stalls, craft and a dry stone walling exhibition. This continues on Sunday at the Mineral Springs as well.
Fancy a bit of sport? The Family Bocce and Junior Soccer competitions are on Sunday October 27th with both taking place at Cricket Willow, home of Swiss Italian descendants, the Tinetti family.
If you want to know more about Italian heritage and food, then “In Conversation with Alex Murano and Richard Cornish” is a for you. Taking place at Spade to Blade in Raglan Street, Daylesford, on Sunday, October 27th at 2:00 pm, this is a paid event so please look on-line at the Festa website to book for this one.  As you can tell, there are many and varied events to suit all ages and interests and we’ve only mentioned a few here.
This year the Committee is managing the entire event, with Michelle Yardy, Committee Member, being appointed the Events Manager. Steve said, “With the committee consisting of many semi-retired and retired members it makes a huge difference to the success of the committee and what we are trying to achieve. I feel very supported by the group and their various talents, plus the time they are willing to devote, definitely helps to make this a successful committee.”
If you want to know more about the Festa, it’s Sponsors and the Program then it’s all available on their website www.swissitalianfesta.com
Viva La Festa!
