The Canadian Italian Club of Kelowna celebrated with a big party today at the clubhouse on Lawrence Avenue.
The road was closed from Richter Street to the clubhouse at 770 Lawrence Avenue to make room for tents, games and an Italian feast.
“We’re doing the Republic Day, which is what Italy celebrates for Italy Day, kind of like what we do for Canada Day,” said Rosann Nanci, president of the Canadian Italian Club of Kelowna.
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“It represents the day when Italians voted to establish a republic after World War II, representing their freedom and the opportunity to create a new nation.”
The all-day event spilled out onto the streets, hosting a display of Italian luxury cars.
“Italians have been here for 140 years, they were one of the original pioneers of the city. We've contributed a lot to the development of the city, the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club has been around for 58 years, so we're here, we're strong, we still have a vibrant community,” said Nancy.
The Canadian Italian Club of Kelowna has about 140 members, but according to Statistics Canada, about 9,000 people in Kelowna identify as Italian.
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