Celebrate the West End on Thursday

The Marconi Multicultural Event Centre and the Group Health Centre Trust Fund are organizing an event called 'Celebrate the
West End,‘ happening on Thursday, Nov. 14 in the centre’s main hall at 6 pm.

The celebration was inspired by Frank S. Sarlo’s fine 2024 book, ‘The West End: A Magical Place Created by Giants’ – a wonderful telling of Sault Ste. Marie's social, cultural, and business history.

For more information, the press release is below.

The Marconi Multicultural Event Centre and the Group Health Centre Trust Fund proudly present ‘Celebrate the West End‘, Thursday, November 14, 2024 in the Centre’s Main Hall commencing at 6 pm.

The Celebration takes its themes from Frank S. Sarlo’s fine 2024 book, ‘The West End: A Magical Place Created by Giants’ – a wonderful telling of our city’s social, cultural, and business history.

West End born and raised, Frank chronicles how the Sault’s first European immigrants forged what would become a diverse, dynamic, and self-reliant community. A great Sault story – and Frank provides compelling proof that our first West End residents were ‘multicultural’ long before this term entered everyday Canadian speech.

The Celebration menu reflects this original West End multiculturism. Although predominately Italian, from its earliest days (circa 1900) the West End included Croatian, Finnish, French, Indigenous, Irish, Polish, Scottish, Syrian, and Ukrainian people.

Throughout the November 14 event, guests will be transported down a West End memory lane. Stories will flow regarding how this small locale (0.44 square miles, 282 acres) encouraged its next generations to pursue success that would flow across the entire city.

Harvey Barsanti and Vin Greco will provide their memories of this magical place. Frank Sarlo will be reading from his ‘West End’ book. Frankee Productions will entertain with their Musica del Cuore. Celebration guests will also have an opportunity to share their West End reminiscences at the evening’s conclusion.

Celebration tickets are $120 each. All are welcome! Tables of eight can be organized. All net dinner proceeds will benefit the Group Health Centre Trust Fund (assisting in the purchase of much needed medical equipment, with charitable donation receipts provided).

‘West End’ books and beautiful, limited edition prints of Gene Ubriaco’s remarkable West End sketches (including the
evocative ‘West End’ book cover) will be available – all net book and sketch sale proceeds will support the ‘Jamestown Strong’ community organization.

Tickets can be ordered and picked up at the Marconi office at 705-942-5556 or 705-942-5557 or by email at [email protected]. Payment can be made in person, by e-transfer at [email protected] or by cheque made to Marconi Multicultural Events Centre.