Weather forecasts promise that there will be sunshine on Columbus Day weekend in Reno. But whatever the weather, the 30 th annual Great Italian Festival is guaranteed to fill the streets with activity. Two blocks on both Sierra and South Virginia Streets become pedestrian-only avenues lined with booths, outdoor cafés and stages where entertainers perform each day.
Stilt walkers dressed in red, white and green act as greeters. An organ grinder and his monkey as well as strolling troubadours in medieval costumes add entertainment reminiscent of days gone by. The celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 8 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 9.
Food, Crafts and Souvenirs Sold at Booths
Authentic Italian cuisine is traditionally the focus for many festival goers. In 2010, a half dozen each sold a different specialty – ravioli, lasagna, risotto, pizza, polenta, New York steak, flatbread and garlic parmesano fries. Other booths lining the pavement walkways include those displaying handcrafts made in Italy as well as locally produced art and crafts.
Live On-Stage Entertainment is Virtually Non-Stop
Entertainment on the outdoor Rome and Venice stages (at 4th and Virginia and 3rd and Sierra Streets, respectively) feature entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 30-minute breaks between the acts. Entertainers on the Rome Stage in past years have included accordion player Dick Cantino, Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms, Le Grand Cirque, tenor Pasquale Esposito, and Mitch Franco. Franco is a teenager who already is getting rave reviews for his performances at Bay Area and Northern California nightclubs and festivals.
In recent years, Tre Bella and The Gaylords have appeared on the Venice Stage as well. Other acts that have performed on that stage include Bella Ciao and Moreno Fruzzetti, a tenor born in Pisa, Italy. Some of the entertainers from Italy have become favorites with Reno audiences. Others, like Californian Contino, have performed internationally for decades.
Bocce Ball Tournament and Grape Stomp are Annual Events
Traditional Italian activities will again center around a bocce ball tournament played on a court especially set up for the event and the annual grape stomp. The Great Italian Festival Sauce Cook-off features West Coast families with recipes handed down through the generations. Children’s games and face painting will also be part of the celebration.
In addition to the free outdoor entertainment, special events within Eldorado Hotel Casino – the festival’s sponsor – will require tickets. The celebration's events that require tickets include a wine tasting of various winesfrom Ferrari-Carano Vineyards in California, the Italian Buffet presented nightly on the Eldorado’s mezzanine (open each day at 4. p.m.) and performances by Le Grand Cirque begin at 7 p.m. in the casino/hotel’s Showroom.
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
