The Islands @ Carlsbad at the corner of College and Faraday transformed into fair Verona today from noon to 5 PM as the Order Sons of Italy in America (La Costa Dei Fiori Lodge) of Encinitas brought their Festa Italiana to Carlsbad.
Under overcast skies, Sicilian folk dancers entertained the crowd while vendors sold cookies, wine, and even promoted treatments at a day spa. There was also instrumental music, arts and crafts, European art and photography, and most importantly information about bocce ball.
Organizers were happy with the the turn out. “We believe that over the course of the day today we had a couple thousand people come through,” said Joe Zazzaro, vice president of the La Costa Dei Fiori Lodge.
We arrived late and are bummed that we didn’t get to see more of the event. We’re not going to miss it next year, and you shouldn’t either. Click continue for more photos.
It wouldn’t have happened with out these fine people: Frank Mangio (past La Costa Dei Fiori VP), Lodge President Sadie Tamburine, and her husband SId. As Sid said, “This is truly Italian. The men are sitting down and the women are standing.”
By the time we arrived at the tasting tent there wasn’t a whole lot left. “Next year we’re going to make more food,” said Adele Di Biase. Yes, and next year, we’re going to arrive before it’s all gone.
Adele offering up all that was left.
Is there any other way to serve up cookies?
The Sicilian folk dancers. A little trouble with the sound system didn’t phase them at all.
Tiffany, Kerry, and Rhiannon from the Ocean Day Spa.
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Thank you for the coverage of our Festa Italiana. I am the historian and also handle publicity for La Costa dei Fiori lodge, as well as being in charge of the vendors. It was truly turned out so much better than we expected and couldn’t be more pleased.
Jannine