MISSISSAUGA – Mississauga has become one of those “go to” places in the summer for its festivals. This last weekend it was thanks to the Italfest. And every year there is something new and enticing.
Frank Stendardo, organizer and promoter par excellence must stay awake nights for the entire year to guarantee atmosphere, variety, music, food, games for all ages, celebrities and good company. He is Laziale… a proud Ciociaro, doing his best to introduce and highlight the historic achievements generated by traditions from his native part of Italy and transferred to the Canadian context their contributions have so enriched. It is not an exercise from which humility should flow.
As in every year, he and his team highlight another Italian region to accredit the contributions of Italians from everywhere to Mississauga. This year, their special guests were members of a delegation from Lombardia, an economic, cultural and fashion powerhouse on the world stage.
Thanks in part to the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (Marco Zambon, Director), I dare say among the stars this year were the Lamborghini on display to feast the eyes of young and old. Imagine securing the test driver of the original Lambo, Valentino Balboni, as a special guest.
One imagines that the newly installed Consul-General from Italy, Andrea Bertozzi, surrounded by the usual honour guard of Carabinieri, Bersaglieri, Alpini and Polizia di Stato must have been impressed by the warmth extended him from those in attendance.
It has become a custom to invite and receive such dignitaries in Celebration Square at the behest of Mississauga’s Italian Community. Well done.
Here below is a photogallery from the event
On the right, Flavio Volpe (President of APMA – Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association) during his speech; joining him on stage, from the right, are Valentino Balboni (legendary Lamborghini test driver), Alex Giambattista (Lamborghini Sales Manager), and the moderator, Frank Smolinger
Valentino Balboni on stage with Flavio Volpe, Alex Giambattista, and Frank Smolinger
From left: Frank Smolinger, Alex Giambattista, Valentino Balboni, Flavio Volpe, and Marco Zambon of ICCO
A group photo featuring the Bersaglieri, the Alpini, and the State Police, along with the Carabinieri and attending officials on the stage
From left: Frank Stendardo, Flavia Ciminelli, and Flavia De Marco in traditional Ciociaria costumes; behind them, Stefano Locatelli (Mayor of Chidurno, Bergamo), and then Consul General Andrea Bertozzi, Mary Mauti (VicePresident of the Lazio Federation of Ontario), and Matteo Bianchi, Vice-President of the European Committee of Italian Regions
Mary Mauti, VicePresident of Lazio Federation of Ontario gives the “ciambelle ciociare” (different from “taralli”) to Frank Spadone
Chef Luciano Schipano—President of Heritage Calabria—on stage with Frank Spadone
Chef Luciano Schipano
Consul General Andrea Bertozzi with Mary Mauti, VicePresident of the Lazio Federation of Ontario
From left: Sam Ciccolini, his wife Donna, Sandra D’Alessandro, Mary Mauti, the singer Alfie Zappacosta who performed at Italfest and Savina Cocco
The Honourable Joe Volpe, Publisher of the Corriere Canadese, with Rodica Iliescio and Anthony Pizzonia, member of the Italfest organizing committee
All from Lazio roots of Veroli: Mary Mauti, Flavio Volpe and Annita Carinci who makes “ciambelle ciociare”
The Honourable Joe Volpe, Publisher of the *Corriere Canadese*, with Alana Hurov, Nadine Barhoueche, and another young guest at the event
Mary Mauti with Valentino Balboni and Toni Canale, photographer for ICCO and Director of Lazio Federation of Ontario
