Locals enjoy cuisine and music at Giovanni’s Italian Festival (13 photos)

Hundreds of residents are making their way out to the Giovanni’s Italian Festival today as the event is offering visitors all the tastes, sounds, and aromas of Italy.

Located between Giovanni’s and Fratelli’s, the festival features all the Italian favourites, from pasta and pizza to paninis and porchetta.

And not to be forgotten, all the savoury Italian desserts like genettis, cannoli, and zeppole are also available.

On top of all the classic Italian dishes, the festival is holding several activities throughout the day like face-painting, a bouncy castle, a pasta eating contest, and lots of prizes and giveaways.

Nick Cavaliere, co-owner of the Giovanni’s-Fratelli’s-Burger Don restaurant tandem, is thrilled to see the community getting out and enjoying the festival after COVID prevented them from hosting the event for the last two summers.

“I think everybody’s excited; everybody wants to do stuff,” he says. “They’re sick and tired of being at home, and people just want to start living their lives again, so it’s good. Should be a fun day.”

The festival also has a full lineup of live entertainment throughout the day, including an Elvis impersonator, Mustang Heart, The Jeff & Jeff Show, and the Italian band Fantasia from Windsor.

Northern Superior Brewery is on-site to provide attendees with all their beer needs, and Pino’s Get Fresh is also offering some of their popular menu items like their classic sausage on a bun.

Admission to the event is free and runs until 10 p.m. this evening at 516 Great Northern Rd.