Italian Fest Opens with Special Exhibit
On Sept. 1st, as Italian banners line Main Street, a special Italian exhibition heralds in the 2019 Collinsville Italian Fest. This year, we join with Italy to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Pellegrino Artusi, Italy’s famed “Father of Italian Cuisine.” Artusi’s cookbook helped unite a country and remains popular in Italy and throughout the world. See “COOKING ITALIAN with Artusi and Area Chefs” (Sept. 1-Oct. 15) at Collinsville Library. Includes special exhibit (in English and Italian) from the Italian Institute of Chicago, about the man, the history, and the book (with recipes). Then learn what local chefs say about cooking “Italian-style.” Register for special drawing! Library hours: Mon.-Thurs. (9 a.m.-8 p.m.), Fri.-Sat. (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), Sun. (1-5 p.m.). Closed Sept. 2nd and Oct. 14, closing 3 p.m. (Sept. 21) for parade. More info at www.italianfest.net. Sponsored by the library and Italian Film Festival USA.
Main Street Festival, Bocce, and More
Then on to the big Italian Fest weekend! Enjoy the bocce tourney (Glidden Park) on Sept. 21 and big Main Street Festival (Sept. 20/21) with grape stomp, 5-K run, Italian food, bands, contests, Miss & Mr. Italian Fest Pageant, wine garden, parade (Sat., 4 p.m.) and much more. *See a complete listing of events (as they are finalized) at www.italianfest.net.
By: Annette M. Graebe