Smells of classic Italian dishes and sounds of live music came from the grounds of Uesugi Farms last weekend, as it was the site of Morgan Hill’s third Annual Italian Harvest Festa. First envisioned and founded by former Morgan Hill mayor John Sorci, the event was organized by a group of dedicated volunteers from various branches of the Italian Catholic Federation, including members from Morgan Hill’s St. Catherine’s of Alexandria.
Jim DiVittorio has worked on the event since its inception, serving as the Director of Sponsorships the first year, then holding the position of Director for the past two.
“The main goals of the festa are to help keep Italian heritage alive, particularly with Catholic influence, and to raise funds for the charities,” he said.
Festa proceeds are donated to two charities: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving people afflicted with various forms of thalassemia, and to the ICF’s Gifts of Love Program, which provides grants and helps develop skills to advance individuals with disabilities towards greater independence. Funds for the nonprofits are generated through parking fees; beer, wine, and soda purchases; Pumpkinville train ride tickets; and profits the event makes from vendor booth fees.
Saturday afternoon at the festa, an audience watched on as a little girl took the dance floor and swayed to Frank Sinatra singer Rick Ellis belting out classic tunes such as “You Make me Feel so Young” and “Strangers in the Night.” Other live entertainment over the weekend included Mark Russo & The Classy Cats, Rene Sevieri Accordionist, Matt Helm as Dean Martin and the Joe DiVittorio Band.
“This year we really made an effort to spread the word about the festa in the community, even more so than before,” said Frank Angelino, Assistant Director of the event. “In past years, we’ve drawn a mostly older crowd, and this year we wanted to expand our demographic and attract more families and younger people. I’ve seen more people here in the 25 to 40-year age group than in the previous years.”
The Italian Harvest Festa was geared towards children with its offerings of Pumpkinville train rides, face painting, a show from the Fratello Marionettes and kid-friendly food. USA Walking on Water was present, offering giant, see-through inflatable bubbles for participants to have fun running around in a pool in.
“We focused a lot of our efforts on trying to bring a wonderful family atmosphere to the event,” explained Judy Verona Joseph, a volunteer who served as both the talent and arts and crafts coordinator. The owner of Primo Public Relations, Judy shared her enthusiasm about helping to put the festa together.
“I’m passionate about my Italian heritage and have worked on several Italian festivals throughout the Bay Area. I’ve been delighted to help out in organizing the Morgan Hill Italian Festa since it began three years ago.”
Vendors included everything from olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and pasta from Mangiamo Gourmet, to a variety of Italian merchandise from Nonno’s Attic. The event featured 10 food booths and offered attendees a variety of Italian fare – including cannoli, bruschetta, scampi, ravioli, calamari and Italian sausage, peppers and onions dishes. Dutchman’s Pizza offered slices, while Café Roma sold its garlic bread and meatball subs.
Appropriate for the scorching weather, there were also vendors selling Italian ice and ice cream. Polar Express, a new ice cream treat trolley and DJ company, was on hand to help attendees cool off with their sundaes and floats. Owner Kelli Marie Aita, her husband Dave, and daughter Haley, were all working together at the festa. Polar Express brought 25 three-gallon tubs of ice cream to the event, and as Kelli added, “we’re hoping to sell it all!”
In her role as manager of the food booths, first-time festa volunteer Clorinda Surgei worked to make sure that booths fulfilled health department standards. According to Surgei, the festa’s group of about 15 committee members started planning the event in January, meeting once a week all year long.
The County of Santa Clara/Province of Florence, Italy Sister County Commission also participated at the festa. The Commission promotes intercultural and educational exchanges in Florence, and offers a scholarship program for students from Santa Clara County who are studying abroad in the popular Italian city. Last year, the Commission awarded five students with scholarships for an academic year of studying at a Florence university. Susan Monahan, a member of the Commission for the past four years, was one of the people on hand at their table to talk with attendees and answer questions about the Commission.
Sponsors of the Italian Harvest Festa include Maple Leaf RV Park, Lima-Campagna-Alameda Mission Chapel, Della Maggiore Tile, Inc., Della Maggiore Stone Marble and Granite, George Chiala Farms, RV Restore and Repair, Heritage Bank and Sister County Florence Commission.
