In October 1986, organizers planned the first Italian Heritage Days Festa. Since this event was so well received in the community, its success has assured its continuance annually on the second weekend of October.
On October 12, 1911, when Columbus Day was declared a legal holiday in Washington state (Columbus Day, the second Monday in October), Ninety-Seven men of the Italian community of Walla Walla ordered and paid for a statue of Columbus "In honor of their countryman, who gave to the world a continent." Their names are inscribed on the back of the statue. The statue was dedicated on this date with much fanfare and enthusiastic participation from townsfolk. A festive parade to honor this day was held and continued for many years. The statue, which is situated on the grounds of the Walla Walla County Courthouse, exemplifies the pride these early immigrants had for their native land, as well as their pride in becoming American citizens. Their common legacy of hard work, deep concern for each another, and a strong desire to be self-sufficient have formed the foundation of their families for over three generations.
Festa 2007
Saturday, October 13th 10:00am
Statue of Columbus rededication on Walla Walla County Courthouse grounds.
AM-Vets of Walla Walla: Place American Flag on Pole, Lead in Flag Salute.
Placing of the Wreath: Mrs. Margaret Magnoni Chadek
Master of Ceremony: Roy Elia
Welcome: Mayor of Walla Walla, Dominick Elia
Benediction: Father Patrick Kerst
Miss Italian Heritage: Miss Kylie Ann Locati-Perkins
Introduction of Former Miss Italian Heritage
Introduction of Non Italian Award: Mrs. Laura Hafen
Scholarship Award: Andrea Bughi
Touchet Schools Band plays Patriotic songs.
(Junior High and High School)
Member of the year: Don & 'Jerri' Mairui
Festa Honorees: Jean Destito and Victor Toppano
Introduction of 2007 President: Mrs. Pamela Elia
Master of Cermonies: Roy Elia
Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Michael Flohr Council # 766
Speech by Walla Walla County Commissioner: Greg Tompkins
Conclusion: Please join us in singing "God Bless America"
Celebrating our 22nd year, we are
proud to introduce a great event this year.
All held at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds October 12th through the 14th.
Saturday, October 13th 10:00am to 4:30pm
Entertainment and Activities will be held at the Science Education Building at the WW Fairgrounds.
Featuring: 'The Bonnie Birch Band' and the 'Fortissimo! Singers' from Seattle Washington.
Meet the Band: Bonnie Birch on Accordion, Nick Heiting on Guitar and Vocals, Paul Ostler on Bass and Vocals
Meet the Singers: Gino Luchetti, Tenor and Chai Ahrenius, Baritone.
Also: Local Entertainment featuring music, vocals and dancers. Featuring our IHA "Piccola Danza" children's dancers, and IHA "Adulto Ballare" adult dancers. Contests, activities, numerous food booths, over 18 vendors. Heritage Picture and Memorabilia Displays will be at the Flower Building of the Fairgrounds.
Saturday, October 13th 6:00pm
Social Hour followed by annual Italian Dinner (prepared by IHA members and friends) at Community Building of the Fairgrounds.
Music and Dancing by 'The Bonnie Birch Band'. Ticket Reservations by October 4th. Contact Connie 1.509.525.3665
Sunday, October 14th 10:00am to 3:00pm
To be held in the area close to entertainment and heritage display buildings.
11:30am: Annual 'Kiddy Stomp'
for Children 5 through 10 years of age.
12:00 Noon: Annual 'Competition Stomp'
Contact Pam or Paul at 1.509.525.8776
Local
Entertainment and Music, food booths, Vendor Booths.
Conclusion at 3:00pm
For Information Contact: 1.509.529.9418 or
1.509.529.2855(message phone)
Email:
jhopkins35@hotmail.com
Fax: C/O 1.509.525.8035
Thank You for your interest in joining us. We are very proud to offer another great Festa!
Festa 2006
Festa Honors: Member of the Year, Delores Lepaine; $750.00 scholarship, to Jillian Bughi, Non-Italian Award, Calvin Toye, Board of Directors, Robert Locati and Paul Castoldi Festa Honorees, Virginia Ayers and Dorothy Maxson. Miss Italian Heritage 2006 Serenity Perkins (again) (This award takes the place of Co Parade Marshals, Since we are not having the annual IHA Parade). We still have the Columbus Statue Re-Dedication Ceremony, which is October 14th at 10am with the above honored as well as local dignitaries. Ms. Anna Curcio will place the wreath at the base of the statue. Roy Elia will be M.C. with the Touchet Schools Band playing patriotic songs with all singing 'God Bless America'. The local AM Vets will raise the American Flag on the pole at the Courthouse. The Knights of Columbus Council #766 will be the Honor Guard at the Statue as they have held that post for 21 years.
This is our 21st Annual Celebration. We are on our 20th Year of having a Miss Italian Heritage, with Coronation and a Luncheon, September 30th, at Noon at St. Francis Parish Hall. Tickets are $10.00. We are Honoring all previous young women who have been miss IHA and represented our local Italian American Community.
Festa is at Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Pavilion building , Both October 14th and 15th from 11am to 5pm. October 14th Begins with a Flag Salute, led by the AM Vets. Then many introductions, plenty of entertainment such as music, dancing, as well as IHA Piccola Danza and Adaulto Ballare dancers, bands, and learn to play 'Bocce Ball' with Louis Razzolini, Sr.. History of Early Italians by IHA Historian, David Venneri,. Both Days. Guests from Vancouver B.C. Choir, "Gruppo Trevigiano Veneto"
Annual Italian Dinner is October 14th, at community building 5:30pm Social hour, 6:30pm dinner with dancing to Copius Notes Band. Tickets are $25.00 Adults, 6 Through 12 are $12.00, Children 5 and under Eat Free! Keepall listing of 20th Year Commemorative Celebration Booklets.
For Information, call Judy Needles at 509.240.1302 or Dorothy Maxson at 509.525.7214
Sunday, October 14th is 9am Mass at St.
Francis with the Canadian Choir singing with St. Francis Choir. Coffee
social to follow.
11:30am is the Annual "Kiddie Grape Stomp" With Competition Stomp at Noon.
Donated and Hosted by:
