Top Activities at the Mirboo North Italian Festa 2020

Top Activities at the Mirboo North Italian Festa 2020

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Posted 2020-01-14 by Gayle Beveridge-Marienfollow
[SECTION]A Family Fun Extravaganza[/SECTION]

Fifty-two years after it first started the Mirboo North Italian Festa is as strong as ever. Anything that endures for more than half a century has to be good. This family-friendly community festival serves up more than 40 food stalls of authentic Italian favourites. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Add to that the on-stage entertainment of music, singing, dancing, and comedy, and the fabulously zany spaghetti eating and grape stomping competitions and it's a must-do event.


But it's even more than that. The stated objectives of the Mirboo North Italian Festa are "to respect history and tradition, to engage all members of the community, especially children and youth to celebrate and appreciate the best of Italian culture, food, music and entertainment whilst attracting visitors to the beautiful region of South Gippsland."

So, without further ado, let's look at the top seven things to do at the Festa. The question to be answered is not why would you come but why wouldn't you.

[SECTION]Food Stalls[/SECTION]

Come ready to eat and drink. Nibble all day or binge; whatever takes your fancy. Choose from the many food trucks or visit the marquees for freshly cooked Italian fare including pizza, pasta, gnocchi, arancini, polpette, and salsicce. Select from the many drink options. Try some Italian beers, or whet your whistle on wines and cocktails, freshly squeezed orange juice or lemonade.


Dessert lovers have not been neglected. How could you go past Italian classics like tiramisu, gelato, cannoli, and zeppole. Then, when you're ready to slow down a little grab yourself one of the many coffees. The Festa caters for everybody and also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. For those wanting to have a sit-down meal the cafes, the hotel and other food venues in town will be open on the day.


That's quite a list isn't it, but in case you're not yet convinced, here's some more. What about some homemade Italian biscuits and A&G Biscuits to take home. Chomp on some wood-fired pizzas from Wheelie Good Pizzas. Refresh yourself with one of Mango Licks' iced treats. Your mouth will be watering over the paella pans at Dine with A Difference. Meat lovers, you haven't been left out. Head over to Ember Catering for some charcoal spit-roasted lamb. Mmm, mmm. Indulge at EAT Cannoli and you're going to have to come along to see just how many wonderful flavours they have on offer.


[SECTION]Market Stalls[/SECTION]

Shoppers take heart, for you there is a plethora of market stalls offering fresh and homegrown produce, and hand made goods. How about some honey or honeycomb from Blue Tree Honey Farm, olive oil from Darnum Park Estate, gourmet hot sauces from Grumpy Gary's or wines from IL Baronello Vino Cotto.


If its jewellery you'd like, for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, drop in at Evie and the Beads or at C&J Collection. Pick up some candles from Han and Bells Creations. Natural handmade skin and body care products are offered by Finch and Wren. Mums and dads or expectant mums and dads can splurge on baby products at Hyde and Seek.


[SECTION]On-Stage Entertainment[/SECTION]

Internationally renowned comedian Joe Avati will be sharing his hilarious stories of growing up in an Italian household. Click here for a sneak preview of Joe's work. The Rustica Project Band will bring modern Taranta-pop and traditional Italian folk music to the stage. The band uses traditional instruments like the Calabrian lira, tamburello, pipita and organetto. In keeping with its ethos of community engagement, the Festa will also feature a performance by the students of the Mirboo North Primary School.


[SECTION]Zany Competitions[/SECTION]

Are you game to enter these crazy competitions? They will be so much fun and make great content on your social media. Kick-off your shoes, roll up your jeans and jump into a barrel for the grape stomping competition. Even the kids can have a go. Grape stomping is a traditional winemaking methodology. The rapes are trodden, trampled, mulched and mushed in vats or barrels by barefoot participants. The process releases juices from the grapes and begins the fermentation process.


If grape stomping isn't your thing give the spaghetti eating competition a whirl. How fast can you get that spaghetti down? What strategy will you employ? Will you use big bites or suck the spaghetti in like a human vacuum cleaner?


[SECTION]Kids Activities[/SECTION]

This is very much a family event and there is plenty for the kids to enjoy. Don't fret mums and dads, the kids' activities are free. At past Festas the kids were super excited to get onto the jumping castle, inflatable slides and obstacle course. Other activities typical of the Festa include face painting, balloon art,


[SECTION]The Cook Book[/SECTION]

Surely you can't come to the Festa without getting your own copy of Nonna's Secret Recipe Book. Buy just one or get both volumes. Both books will be on sale at the Festa but are available now at $20 each. If you are keen to secure your copy visit the Shop page of the Festa website. The books are also available at Marino's Deli or Manny's Market in Morwell, Mirboo North Art Space and Pino's Trattoria on Phillip Island.


[SECTION]Where, When and All That Stuff[/SECTION]

The festival takes place from 10am on Sunday 9th February 2020 in Baromi Park, 49 Ridgway St, Mirboo North VIC 3871. Mirboo North is around and hour and twenty minutes from Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs and around two hours from the CBD along the South Gippsland Highway.


There is no entry fee to the festival and the kids' activities are free. What you spend in the day is up to you. Even if your budget is tight you can still come for a look, enjoy the entertainment and watch the competitions.

For more information visit the Mirboo North Italian Festa website or check out their Facebook Page which is regularly updated.

The Festa is just one reason to visit this picturesque area and if you don't come for a weekend and have a look around you are shortchanging yourself. The organisers of this festival have got everything covered so check out the Visitor Information Page on their website where they give plenty of accommodation options and suggestions for other things to do in the area.

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196886 - 2023-06-16 04:22:58

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