April 8, 2021
 
 
Hey #Guelph! Rotary is bringing back an oldie but a goodie from the 70s while supporting our friends from @ICCGuelph and supporting local community groups. #supportlocal
 
Back after a 30-year hiatus is a re-imagined version of Prima Festa May 1, 2021 as it returns to Rotary’s list of special events with COVID-19 style.  Guests are requested to pick up their delicious Italian meals at the Italian Canadian Club in a “take out - eat in” at home mode.  Pickup instructions will be sent to registrants several days prior to the event. Each Prima Festa Dinner ticket is $75 with a tax receipt in the amount of $40. 
 
DRIVE-BY DINNER IN A BAG - MAY 1, 2021
 
 
 
PRIMA FESTA RITORNO
 
Rotary’s archives reveal that Prima Festa (first festival of spring) was originally launched in 1970 to recognize the strong Italian culture in Guelph and its contributions to the city over the years. The first Italians immigrated to Guelph in the late 1800s with surnames including Embro, Marruci, Valeriote, and Carere, and at present, Italian Canadians make up about 7% of Guelph’s current population.
 
The first Prima Festa was presented by Rotary as a fundraiser in 1970 featuring Italian food, folk dancing and a greased pole climbing contest.  The tradition continued for 10 years and was replaced by "Lobsterfest" in 1980. Initially the food consisted of pizza and sausage on a bun and over the years elevated to spaghetti and meatballs. Prima Festa became a three-day event located in one of the following venues each of the three days: the Guelph Armory, the Guelph Curling Club and the Italian Canadian Club.
 
ROTARY PEOPLE IN ACTION, IN GUELPH AND AROUND THE WORLD
 
Rotary brings together neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers to share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change in communities, at home and around the world.
 
WHEN YOU SUPPORT PRIMA FESTA, YOU WILL HELP ROTARY TO SUPPORT:
  • In Guelph:
    • helping local youth with mental health and other supports through the 7 youth hubs of Integrated Youth Services Network IYSN 
    • helping Food4Kids Guelph provide healthy food to local children whose families are struggling to make ends meet
  • In Ontario - supporting the Water First internship program to train Indigenous youths become provincially certified water operators in their communities
  • In Uganda - helping build infrastructure at an elementary school we have adopted, to provide safer facilities for 600 children