Ettalong festa 2015

On Saturday & Sunday the 18th & 19th of April, 15 members were requested (by invitation) to participate in the Italian Festival at Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort! (EBTR).

Our weekend began at our meeting place, McDonalds Thornleigh, for a light breakfast and "a very good coffee". Our cavalcade was underway by 8:30am, bound for EBTR, with immediate impact, the traffic allowing our classics to stick together on the freeway.

Our arrival attracted immediate attention as we were welcomed into the car park. Within minutes our cars were in position, our members booked into their rooms and the festivities were underway.

All things Italian including; refreshments, food, music, entertainment (gelato and pasta eating competitions - with no utensils) and  of course our wonderful machines.

Later Saturday evening, our dinner went off with a BOOM! Food and all the good things in abundance, with so much left over (unlike our lot!)... the leftovers made for a great breakfast on Sunday morning! Many members & friends dancing the night away.

Our Sunday was occupied answering many questions and displaying our cars, all the while more entertainment was present throughout the resort. At 3:00pm, our classics "fired up" attracting all the correct attention, with many onlookers and "standers by" providing their appreciation of our wonderful contribution.

A wonderful weekend of entertainment with great company!

Auto Italia Canberra 2015. March 28 & 29.

Saturday morning, all 20 cars and members were present at Pheasants Nest meeting place for an 8:30am departure. (That showed how keen they were to get the show on the road!)

Our cars created attention at the meeting place and throughout the journey. Our commiserations to member Gerardo Mediati, having his bonnet on his 695ss, pop while in transit, causing some damage to his car... Could have been worse Gerardo, let's be thankful of the outcome!

Our first stop was at the Mackay VC rest area, where we enjoyed a morning tea of sandwiches filled with salami, mortadella, ham, swiss & provolone cheese. Thanks IMSMC!!! Thermos's filled with hot beverages and grape juice to wash it down!

 

Onward to THE BIG MERINO at Goulburn for a fuel stop (and a lunch opportunity at the Bakery, for those that desired) and then onto the Weereewa lookout on the Federal Hwy, where we met our good friend Geoff Hall (FCACT) and member Brad Aitken (and instrumental organiser of Auto -talia), allowing a fantastic photo opportunity of our beautiful machines.

Our arrival in Canberra was ahead of schedule, allowing members to enjoy a refreshment at the Italo-Australia Club. Later that afternoon, representatives of IMSMC were invited to meet with the Italian ambassador at the embassy as part of the Auto Italia Celebrations. Viva Italia!

 

Later on Saturday Night, 140 guests attended the Italo Australia Club for dinner.

Sunday morning our cars assembled on the grounds of Old Parliament House among 100's of Italian Iconic, classic, historic, vintage, veteran and modern motor vehicles, for a static display.

Our congratulations go to;

Gerardo Mediati - Best Fiat 500 (and received an acknowledgment of his "incident" whilst driving the Hume!)

Giuseppe Lecce - Best Fiat Sedan

Joseph Scarcella - Best Alfa Coupe.

Our club always attracts visitors to our gatherings...amazing how many people make their way and introduce themselves... It must be our shirts! (or maybe it's because there is never a shortage of food, drink and of-course good people!) Member Tony Guerrera offering (about 30 pizza's!) A very kind & generous gesture Tony! Thank you!

At the conclusion of the event, the majority of members opting to drive home to Sydney, whilst a few remained a second night. From all reports, the drive home was without incident and most enjoyable.

Thank you to all for your enthusiasm, efforts and participation.