Festa Italiana Ettalong Resort 2014.

Members and friends of IMSMC gathered and met at Thornleigh Mc Donald's.  The usual crescendo was experienced as the restaurant was filled with our members.

Our intention was to leave at 8 oclock sharp, so right on time, (at 8:30) we departed in cavalcade up the M1 pacific motorway; bound for Ettalong!

We drove on the motorway and meandered toward Ettalong,  many spectators greeting and commenting on the rarity and presentation of our cars!

We arrived at our reserved area and parked the cars, immediately attracting spectators. Shortly afterwards, we booked into our rooms and settled into what would become two days of activities with many perusing the variety of stalls throughout the resort. An interesting aperitivo was being served which many found morish 1 part soda water, 2 parts aperol and 3 parts prosecco a couple of these and we were set… the two days were filled with discussion, great company and much laughter..

Fine italian food of every description was available, castagne (chestnuts), pastries of every quality in cream or ricotta, pizzas of every shape style and toppings along with other restaurant foods & wine & liquer tasting. Music,singing and dancing from every region of Italy.  A piano accordion was playing the “all time favorites” as the musician walked around entertaining the crowd.. The resort was flowing with festival atmosphere.

Our president was interviewed by local radio station 2GO, 107.7fm – answering questions and promoting our club to the local community!

Our Saturday night dinner was spent at Naman's restaurant where all enjoyed the company of members and settled into a fine dinner and chatted into the late hours. Founding member Joe Lecce celebrated his 70th birthday, and of course, we had a cake complimented by the IMSMC choir, singing “happy birthday” with gusto!

Our  Sunday morning started with a gathering of the entire IMSMC crew at “toto’s bar” for breakfast and then into the resort to enjoy the festivities of day 2.

The resort management thanked us immensely for sponsoring the festa and have requested we attend again next year as our contribution is deemed outstanding!

Another well supported and successful IMSMC event. Thank you!

Auto Italia 2014

Auto Italia 2014, was held in Canberra on Sunday the 30th of March.

 

IMSMC met on Saturday morning and travelled in convoy, bound for the nations capital, on Saturday morning! 30 cars, ranging from Ferrari's thru to Fiat 500's, cavalcaded together.

 

Along the way, we stopped at the traditional Mackey VC rest rest area for an "ITALIAN BREAKFAST". Charlie & Maria Losinno giving up their time to cater for our needs, sourcing bread, prosciutto cotto, salami, sorpressa, mortadella, provolone, Melanzane, Olive's - and the best Italian Bread!...Hungry yet? What a Breakfast.

 

This led to being energised for our next stop at Goulburn.Goulburn was our petrol, coffee & stretch stop! So much Italian machinery in the one place at the same time!

 

Onward to the Weereewa lookout on the Federal Hwy, where we met a number of Italian car enthusiasts from the ACT. From here we made our way to the Italo Australia Club, where we also returned later in the evening for our dinner dance. And what a night! A five course meal with song & dance! Two IMSMC members entertaining the crowd, with belly dancing, or was it "chesty dancing?" Wonderful to see the IMSMC banner being waved in the middle of the dance floor too, all adding to the party atmosphere of the entire weekend.

 

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, our committee and club members, were invited to the Italian Embassy. Our club was given a special mention for our outstanding support of the event. We later presented the Ambassador a club pennant as a memento.

 

Sunday morning and we made our way to the lawns (actually the sealed surfaces) of Old Parliament House. Over 250 cars on display including many motorbikes & scooters. Considering the amount of "bad weather" throughout the week, the attendance numbers "almost" set a new record!

 

This year. there are 2 anniversaries! 100 years of Maserati and 50 years of Fiat 850. We congratulate members Roland Weber ( 1976 Maserati Merack SS coupe) and Nat Stillone ( 1979 Maserati Merack SS)...Also, John Di Rocco (1971 Fiat 850T Van) Leo Di Rocco (1964 Fiat 850 series 1 coupe) Renee Di Rocco (1969 Fiat 850 series 2 spider), Gerardo Mediati (1969 Series 2 Fiat 850 sports coupe) Richard Di Pietro (1966 Fiat 850 sedan) and Brad Aitken (1969 Fiat 850 spider)... The cars looked GREAT and certainly made a significant contribution to the anniversary displays!

 

We are happy to report, that IMSMC representative members have done us proud again this year. With four major prizes being awarded, as follows;

Emmanuel Ziino Best Ferrari ( 1997 Yellow 355) & Best Alfa Romeo Coupe  (1972 Orange Montreal)

Ric Capolino Best Fiat Targa/spider (1979 Red Fiat X-19)

John Di Rocco Best Vehicle of Special Interest (1971 White Fiat 850T Van)

 

In all 55 members along with another 40+ family and friends, contributed to the significant contribution that IMSMC made to this National event! We thank all our visitors, including our young Mum & Dad's with their infant children- they are welcome anytime!

 

As the Sunday drew to a close, the skies darkened and mother nature reminded us of her force, with many members, Sydney bound experiencing the worst wet conditions on the freeway they have ever had to endure!

Fortunately no significant casualties to report on...

 

A smaller group remained for the Sunday night and shared in a complimentary dinner at the Italo Australia club, in what concluded a weekend of  Italian motoring, song, wine, fine food and great company.

 

We thank the staff of the Italo Australia Club for catering to each of our needs. We send a message of congratulations to the Auto Italia Committee on a superb event! We'll See you at Auto Italia, 29th of March 2015.