The International Tyrolean Trentini Organization of America (ITTONA) has selected Solvay to host the 2008 ITTONA convention – the first to be held in a small village setting.
In previous years, the convention was held much larger locals, such as New York City, San Francisco and the Italian Trento, from which Trentinis hail.
Peter Albrigo convention general chair, said having Solvay chosen was a tremendous honor.
The three-day heritage event is expected to bring a crowd of more than 400 people, many decendents of Trentini and Tyrolean immigrants. The village of Solvay is steeped in Trentino history, Albrigo said, and is widely known as one of the oldest village of Trentino heritage in the country.
Albrigo said the Solvay Tyrol Club applied in 2006 to host this year’s convention, and have been hard at work for the last two years to prepare for the event.
We wanted to accent the village of Solvay, the closeness of the community, Albrigo said.
The weekend convention kicks off Friday, July 11 with a polenta fest, offering several different styles of polenta. Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. the Mario DeSantis Orchestra will play at the pavilion on Milton Avenue, with dancing under the stars and a craft sale. Fireworks will light up the sky around 9:30 p.m.
Albrigo said parking would be difficult Friday, and urged people to be patient and bring their own lawn chairs.
Saturday’s festivities include a full day of workshops and discussion at the Holiday Inn at Electronics Parkway, followed by a cocktail reception and gala dinner. On Sunday a continental breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. Woods Road Park, weather permitting, before mass at St. Cecilia’s Church at 11:30 a.m. Following the service there will be a picnic lunch at the park.
Although all events are open to non-Tyrol club members, pre-registration and ticket purchase is required for all events except dancing under the stars.
To register, visit solvaytyrolclub.org and click on the convention registration link. A full agenda of events is available through the online registration link.
