| The Ciao, Italia! festival is brought to you by The Christopher Columbus Italian Club of Charlotte. The festival was created in 1996 as a way to share Italy's rich culture, traditions, arts, wine and cuisine with Charlotte and the surrounding areas.
The day features non-stop entertainment such as our annual performances by the Opera Carolina Chorus, Italian singing sensation Franco Corso from San Remo, Italy, our very own Italian dancers, and the international pizza toss champions (as seen on The Food Network)! This year’s entertainment also includes an appearance by Larry Tanelli (Dean Martin impressionist)! Cultural artifacts are on display for you to browse and this year, the Church of Latter Day Saints will be there to do Italian ancestry searches! Festival-goers will enjoy Italian language lessons, a mozzarella making demonstration, book signing by Justin Catanoso who wrote “My Cousin the Saint”, wine tastings (bottles available for sale) and a variety of children's activities. There will also be Vespa scooters on display! You can find Italian-themed gifts and souvenirs for sale in our "Bottega". Don’t forget to buy raffle tickets to win many wonderful prizes and a chance to win our Grand Prize of accommodations for two to Torino, Italy!
And what would an Italian festival be without food? The Club's famous sausage and peppers top the menu, along with eggplant parmigiana sandwiches, pasta, pizza, Italian ice and an array of mouthwatering Italian pastries and cookies. Wine, Italian beer, soft drinks, cappuccino and espresso are also available.
This is a ONE DAY ONLY rain or shine event so, come bring the family and enjoy a day of Italian culture!
Note: the Wachovia Plaza bldg. is located in uptown Charlotte on the corner of South Tryon Street and W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (formerly 2nd St.). Parking is available in the Two Wachovia Center Parking Garage off W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.. |
Charlotte Wine-12th annual Ciao, Italia! festival 
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