La Fiera this weekend

MYRTLEFORD is all set to go for this week's La Fiera Italian Festival, with final plans being implemented across town.

"We're really up to speed with this year's festival," La Fiera committee member, John Reynolds-Smith said.

"We seem to learn each year, how to put on the next one better.

"The only thing we still have to work on is finding more volunteers for Saturday.

"If there's anyone who would be interested in lending a hand for a couple of hours, feel free to reach out and they can enjoy free entry to La Festa."

La Festa, scheduled for the Saturday, is a ticketed event which includes a full schedule of authentic food from the local Circoli; groups with ties to communities from the region of Trentino and the provinces of Vicenza and Treviso in Italy, as well as wine and live entertainment.

Those with pre-booked tickets can access La Festa from 10.30am, while tickets on the day will be on sale from 11.30am.

Tickets to James Liotta's comedy show on Friday evening are sold out, however plenty of tickets are still available for the Italian movie night on Saturday evening, where the Myrtleford Film Society will screen 'A World Apart'; an Italian comedic drama with subtitles.

'Un Mondo Aparte’ is centred around a teacher who is sent across Italy to teach at a school which is set to be closed due to lack of student numbers.

Tickets are $20 and there will be light snacks provided at the EMPAC Theatre, with Bike and Barrell winemakers working the bar.

"The aim of La Fiera is to give the town a true Italian festival atmosphere," Mr Reynolds-Smith said.

"We've got a Saturday morning Mass to kick things off at 9am in the Piazza, with a performance by the Veneto Men's Choir from Balwyn, who will sing a mix of traditional and modern songs.

"This will be followed by community members carrying the statue of Saint Anthony along Clyde Street and back to Saint Mary’s Church.

"'Il Mercato' on Sunday is designed to be an traditional farmers' market, with an Italian twist.

"With only a gold-coin donation as entry, there will be produce stalls, entertainment, singers, cooking masterclasses and more.

"There are lots of children's activities again this year at the Children's Hub in Jubilee Park, proudly sponsored by the Bright and Myrtleford Community Bank, so it should be a great day."

La Fiera also has long lunches at wineries, a spirited La Fiera Cup soccer match, and the Old School Museum ‘Migration Exhibit’ with an inspiring Billy Doolan art exhibition.

"If we could ensure good weather, that would be a bonus, but in the past people have not been deterred by a bit of rain and have had a great time," Mr Reynolds-Smith said.

For more information about this year’s La Fiera Italian Festival, visit: https://lafiera.com.au/