Indulging in a wonderful range of Italy-inspired cuisines and music, attendees were treated to the best of home-made wares and food.
Angelo Tsirekas, mayor of Canada Bay Council, described it as “a big success”.
“With 300 market stalls and a lot of entertainment, the festival had something for everyone,” he said.
A comedy show by renowned actor James Liotta proved a big hit, while international chef Luca Ciano cooked up a storm of Italian specialties.
Various local dance groups, musicians and schools also performed throughout the day.
Pasticceria Papa’s cannoli eating competition was the preferred event, with eight competitors taking part in a race against the clock.
Cremeria Deluca held a popular “blind tasting” gelato competition, and Club Five Dock’s spaghetti eating contest was also a popular event.
While children enjoyed themselves on the merry-go-round, slippery slides and pony rides, adults indulged in wine tasting and assisted in the open-air projection of some classic Italian films.
The festival was officially opened by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and also in attendance were Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams, federal Member for Reid Craig Laundy, state Member for Drummoyne and Secretary to NSW Cabinet John Sidoti, Italian senator Francesco Giacobbe and Deputy Mayor of Canada Bay Council Marian Parnaby, who welcomed the attendees.
Premier Berejiklian warmly acknowledged the Italian ex-pat community’s contribution to the development of NSW and ongoing presence in Australian society, while highlighting the beauties of Italian culture.
She also offered her sympathies to those affected by the Genoa bridge collapse.
Mr Sidoti recalled members of the first ever organising committee of Ferragosto in Five Dock.
Performances by Mocambo Jam, Matthew Dal Cin and George Vambuca were other memorable moments of the day, which also included an impressive exhibition of Italian motorbikes and cars, and an unforgettable fashion parade.
