Ettalong Italia Festa 13'

On Saturday & Sunday the 20th & 21st of April, 19 members of IMSMC in 11 cars, braved the elements and are congratulated in attending the Italian Festa at the Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort (EBTR).
Saturday, the weather was looking dubious at best, but each of the 11 drivers were determined to see that filters and wipers were all "in top shape" and braved one of the heaviest rainy days that the Sydney metro has seen in a very long time.

Our head car was the Alfa Carabinieri car (Thanks Charlie & Maria) as they navigated our way toward the EBTR. And what a drive it was, as Charlie lead us on a lovely scenic tour of inland roads as we descended toward our destination.

On arrival we were quick to book into our rooms, set up our display and head for our first restaurant stop @ ToTo's, for lunch. The afternoon progressed in great company. Many passers by questioning each of the owners about our wonderful machines.

Before long it was time to enjoy more food, wine, song and great company, as we gathered at "La Fiamma" pizzeria and restaurant for a magnificent and complimentary five course meal (thanks IMSMC) and "Shed Red" (thanks Di Rocco's). No shortage of chilli for the pizza e pasta too! It's amazing how everyone wants to "give to one another "...a real family atmosphere! Our evening  came to a close where each participant went to the comfort of their rooms (some requiring less encouragement than others!).

Sunday morning, the sky was blue, the sun was shining - a significant contrast to the day before. We gathered for breakfast (no doubt about the IMSMC appetite!). Sunday unfolded with thousands of people visiting and enjoying the cooking, coffees, drink, music and entertainment, all of Italian flavour! Our cars were frequented by all, as we were displayed at the very entrance to the resort. NBN news (Central Coast) also showed our cars in the 6:00pm News! It is amazing to watch people, as they enter our display, an immediate smile comes to their face - what is it about our cars? Obviously a joyous sight!

Before long, the weekend came to a conclusion with an IMSMC exit - flashing lights, honking horns, revving engines and waves from the general public in appreciation of our contribution to a very memorable weekend. The organisers have asked us to assure them, that we'll be there next year!

Another excellent weekend - THANK YOU!!!

Auto Italia 2013.

WHAT A WEEKEND!
Saturday, Sunday and Monday the 6th -8th of April, 44 members accompanied their family and participated in the Auto Italia weekend 2013.

26 cars on Saturday morning met at the 7-11 Truck stop at Pheasants Nest, for a 9:00am departure, and what a departure, we created an immediate impact on the Freeway! Passersby, smiling, beeping and so many people taking photos of our magnificent cavalcade. This year 15 Fiat 500's cavalcaded together, each performing remarkably, with a little hiccup requiring special attention and not a major issue! Vince Li Vaccari presented his newly acquired Ferrari 360 Spyder F1. Lovely car Vince, what a sound it made!

Our first stop was at the McKay VC rest area, where IMSMC provided a complimentary morning tea for all who attended. Mortadella, continental ham, provolone & salami pannini all round! Espresso coffee and an array of cakes provided by our faithful lady members were all consumed with great relish.

All back on track for our rendezvous in Goulburn, for a petrol stop then efficiently bound for the nations capital, where at Weerewa lookout, we were greeted by our friends from the Fiat Club of ACT. Shortly afterwards, in cavalcade to the Italo Australia club in Forrest, where the CEO had arranged complimentary canapes and drinks for all.

Later that afternoon, our committee were guests at the Italian embassy representing our club. We have been complimented in the manner in which we present our club and represent the wonderful machinery that is "ITALIAN MADE". We presented the deputy Ambassador with a club pennant, which he greatly appreciated.

Later Saturday night, members went back to the Italo Australia Club to enjoy a complimentary dinner (provided by IMSMC). A great deal of food, laughter , vino & dancing was the order of the remainder of the evening.

Sunday morning we were met once again by our Fiat Club of ACT friends and were escorted through the streets of Canberra..coffee shop trading ceased as we made our way past. We followed our escorts to the grounds of Old Parliament House, where over 300 Italian Cars of various makes and models were arranged in static display for the public!

At 2:00pm the presentations for the different classes and winners were announced. 4 of our club members were presented with a trophy, voted as peoples choice, by the Ambassador, including; Best Alfa sedan, best Alfa 105, best Fiat 500 and Best Historic. Well done IMSMC!!!

At the conclusion of the display, some members made their way home, while others met back at the Italo Australia Club, where we formed another display at the main entrance of the Italo-Australian club. As we walked into the club foyer, we were greeted by the Italian Club association choir, where they performed both the Australian and Italian National Anthems, commemorating our visit and contribution to Auto Italia 2013. Again we were offered complimentary canapes and drinks for the afternoon. Later that evenning, IMSMC once again provided a complimentary dinner to its members!

Monday morning and our group were bound for home. A few frequent stops along the Federal Hwy, resting our little engines, lunch at Goulburn and bound for a well earnt rest for ourselves and our cars once home. Certainly a memmorable weekend, full of the unexpected but all with positive outcome!

Let's do it all again real soon!