In honor of Chicago's rich Italian American heritage, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) hosted Fiera Italiana from October 5 - 9 at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Ave.). This outdoor festival-style event brought fashion, food, drinks, performing arts, entertainment, and more to celebrate the heritage and culture of Italy. 

Fashion models display Paul Sisti (local designer) fashions-Fiera Italiana

The festivities kicked off to the annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12. "This year, we had a new addition born from the passion and excitement that drove us," says Jo Ann Serpico, President of the JCCIA.

October is Italian heritage month “The number one priority was to celebrate our culture and Columbus day.” Said JoAnn Serpico. 

Each day around noon to 1 pm live entertainment took place.   On Monday, October 5th, there was a live fashion show from ZZAZZ Productions under the direction of Italian American, Tracey Tarantino.  The runway show had Italian music playing while professional models walked the runway wearing designs of Italian designers like Paul Sisti and Melissa Serpico.  “All models are Italian and American and most of the designs were developed in Chicago.” Said Dominic DiFrisco.

Designs from local talent, Melissa Serpico and Paul Sisti-Fiera Italiana

Musical entertainment was at noon throughout the week which included performances by Paul Ciminello and young, up-and-comer singer/songwriter Franco Campanella, plus Paul Miuccio, Tony Spavone, Enzo Incandella and Paul Motondo.

Italian and Chicago Dignitaries participate in opening ceremonies at Daley Plaza, October 5, 2009

The scenario of the event was to “emulate a little village square in Italy,” said Dominic DiFrisco. The parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also onsite, and the JCCIA Individual booths sold jewelry, Italian flags, t-shirts and other Italian themed paraphernalia.

Landscape design by Joe Salerno Designs, Inc.- Fiera Italiana

In addition “Food-various restaurants served gelato, Melina, arginatenian balls, pizza, Italian beef and sausage, pasta, great variety of Italian foods on the plaza” Said Jo Ann Serpico.  There was gelato, pizza, Italian beef and sausage, pasta and other Italian delicacies with the addition of fresh fruits, and vegetables. 

Secretary of State, Jesse White and President Emeritus of JCCIA, Dominic Di Frisco

We hope that Fiera Italiana, an open-to-the-public event, which provided an opportunity for the JCCIA along with assistance from area businesses, to celebrate both Italian heritage and Columbus Day. Hopefully, this event will return next year.

Photographer joins General Consul of Italy, Alessandro Matti, President of JCCIA, Jo Ann Serpico and President Emeritus, Dominic Di Frisco

Sponsors for the event this year were Italian Steakhouse Gene & Georgetti,
Rago Brothers Funeral Homes, Tony's Finer Foods and Turano Baking Company.
 
In addition to being a sponsor partner, Supreme Lobster and Seafood
Company featured food vendor at Fiera Italiana. The CEO of
Supreme Lobster, Dominic Stramaglia, was the Chairman of this year's
Columbus Day Parade.

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent
non-profit association devoted to protecting Italian American heritage.

For more information about the JCCIA, visit www.jccia.com.