Waikato Times,   LIBBY WILSON, 11 March 2013

They came in their droves to admire Fiats, make pizza, lick gelato and peruse pasta at the Italian festival in Hamilton yesterday.

Beppe Carrozzino, vice-president of the local Circolo Italiano (Italian Society) had a few nightmares about no-one coming to the festival, but members counted over 2200 festival-goers.

It was Mr Carrozzino who thought of showcasing Italian culture in a festival to boost membership of the Circolo.

"This idea was just to . . . say ‘We are here, we exist'."

With help from Vicki Ravlich-Horan, of Nourish magazine, the festival "just happened."

Fans of Italian food had to get in fast, as many stalls sold out of panini and calzone, but there was plenty of salami and mozzarella on offer.

"Joe Public loves it," said Saskia Kirkbeck, of Valente Coffee Machinery in Auckland.

"The food is fantastic, the smells are amazing. People respect Italian products."

Massimiliano De Caro's mozzarella was one such product.

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of his Auckland cheese-making business, Il Casaro.

He had good reason to celebrate, after two gold medals, three silvers and one bronze in the Cuisine Champions of Cheese Awards. His cow's milk mozzarella is made by hand, following traditions from his region, Puglia.

Plenty of activities were on offer for those wanting to work off the food.

Parafed Waikato gave people a chance to try boccia, a game similar to lawn bowls or petanque, which is popular among people with disabilities.

Maurice Toon, of Hamilton East, who took a silver medal in the team event at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, provided stiff competition for those who tried.

Fiona Murdoch, of Dance Folkus, taught a range of dances, including mazurkas and tarantellas.

Children were entertained with face-painting, pizza-making and football shoot-outs on the lawn.

"Family is very important to Italians -that's why entry is free. Bring the kids along," said Circolo Italiano member Anna Livingstone.

Several Italians were enjoying a taste of home.

Paolo Spadoni has been in Hamilton for 55 years, and his three children were born here.

"Your heart is still Italian," he said.

Andrea Baldin only arrived in Hamilton a month and a half ago. "[The festival] is very beautiful. There are a lot of icons from Italy."

He said the day reminded him of a typical Italian village party.

The festival inspired more than 45 people to sign up to the Circolo Italiano, which plans to hold another event  next  year.