The Vendemmia Italian Wine Festival is returning to Wilmington on Sunday, October 13. The festival, which began in 2003, is returning to Wilmington after a four-year hiatus in the suburbs.
When the festival re-located to Bellevue State Park outside of Wilmington, the city was under the administration of Mayor Dennis P. Williams.
"At the time, the previous administration wasn't as user-friendly," said Steve Silicato, a lead organizer and local singer and performer. "We're just grateful that Mayor Purzycki is running the city and making it a more welcoming place to hold the festival."
Silicato sees the return to the Wilmington Riverfront as the festival coming home.
"Now it's returning to the city where it belongs," he said. "The grounds are beautiful down there, and it's a better venue."
Silacato is working with Ciro Poppiti, who is also New Castle County Register of Wills, to organize this year's festival with the support of Mayor Mike Purzycki.
"We couldn't be happier to welcome back the Vendemmia Italian Wine Festival to Wilmington, where it belongs," said Purzycki. "This event is a celebration of the local Italian community and its proud heritage and culture. The festival features wine, food, music and dancing that everyone has come to appreciate and will enjoy again next month."
Vendors offer samplings include Sitaly, Café Pomodoro, Café Riviera, La Pizzeria Metro, Nicola Pizza, Serpe's Bakery, Talluto's, La Casa Pasta and Olevano olive oil.
This year, the festival will honor Bob Trostel, executive vice-president of Breakthru Beverage Delaware. The Wilmington Ballet will also attempt to set a world record for the most people participating in the tarantella dance, a traditional Italian celebratory line dance.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware Italian American Foundation. All proceeds will be spent locally in grants for at-risk youth and educational initiatives. The grant process will be overseen the Societa` da Vinci.
