THE 21st Australian Italian Festival taking place in Ingham on August 1-2 at the TYTO Wetlands Precinct will be an unforgettable experience of sight, sound and taste.
Gates open at 10am and the first sensation will be smell of authentic Italian food being cooked at Mamma’s Cucina, then the sounds of nonstop entertainment on two stages.
From choirs, bands, singers, dancers, comedians, tenors, sopranos and the fantastic 1RAR band, the list goes on.
One of the many highlights of this year’s festival is the opening of Queensland Multicultural Week, for the first time the launch of the event will be at the festival at 12pm on August 1.
To celebrate the launch there will be Rwandan drummers and Bollywood dancers.
These performers will join with another highlight of the festival; the 23 flag throwers coming direct from Italy to perform the 15th century art of flag throwing dressed in medieval costumes accompanied by their own musicians and ladies of escort.
Festival director, Donna Zanotto said the aim of the festival is to give visitors the feeling that they have stepped into a festival in Italy.
“Food and family is our focus and families are well catered for with free amusement rides all day on both days,” Ms Zanotto said.
“On Saturday starting at 10am, the Wilmar Sugar Steam Train Ride will be shuttling out at Victoria Mill, so don’t miss the chance to ride on the 100 year old train, it’s free to the public.”
“All day activities for our visitors include competitions such as the greasy pole climbing, grape stomping, pizza and spaghetti eating, gondola races and txingas (similar to bocce bowls) , all of which are great fun with the winners receive fantastic prises.
“Over both days there will also be cooking demonstrations, historical displays, a cane cutters display and even a Punch and Judy puppet show.”
Several lead up events will take place prior to the gates opening for the festival at the TYTO Wetlands including a hair and fashion show and model search which will both occur on July 30 and a Masquerade Gala Dinner which will be held on July 31.
“The hair and fashion show allows local and out of town designers to showcase their creations with this year’s theme being ‘Once Upon a Time’.
“Tickets are $40 and include canapés and sweets. The show will be held at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall with doors opening from 7pm, please contact us as soon as possible if you wish to attend.”
The 2015 Model Search competition is open to girls and boys aged from 13 to 18, entry is $20 and heats will take place on July 24, with the final happening on July 30.
“There are some amazing prizes being offered for the female winner including a Pathway to Modelling course valued at $445 and representation with RFT Models, as well as some great prizes for the female runner-up and male winner.”
The Coscer Financial Masquerade Dinner will take place on the eve of the festival at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall from 6.30pm. Tickets are $85 per person.
“Tickets are selling fast for the dinner, so ensure don't miss out on this prestigious event by booking as soon as possible.
“Entertainment will be provided by dance band Tony Mazell and The Dolce Vita Band, comedian James Liotta will MC the event and the floor show will be starred up with the Tom Jones and Tina Turner Tribute Show.
The Australian Italian Festival is one not to miss, and for the first time visitors can pre-purchase gate entry tickets at townsvilletickets.com.au and save up to 25 per cent off the gate price.
For visitors wishing to stay for the duration of the two day festival, there will be accommodation available at the Ingham Showgrounds for camping and caravans with full amenities.
Contact the festival office for more information on (07) 47 765 288, email admin@australianitalianfestival.com.au or phone Donna Zanotto on (07) 47 765 288.
