Griffith has reaped the economic rewards of the highly successful Festa Delle Salsicce.
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The sold out Festa Delle Salsicce was held on Sunday with the majority of the attendees coming from out of town.
The festival saw motels, restaurants and cafes enjoy bumper weekends thanks to the influx of people.
The Grand Motel manager Tara Little was run off her feet all weekend.
She said customers returned each year and some had already booked their rooms for next year’s event.
“We were booked out Saturday and had probably double what we would normally have booked on Friday and Sunday,” Ms Little said.
“About half of our guests attended the festival.
“They seemed to enjoy it, most people come yearly and make the booking as they leave.
“I think we have about five regular groups who book each year.
“I’d like to attend one day, unfortunately it’s one of our busiest weekends of the year.”
Festival organiser Roy Catanzariti said close to 600 of the 960 tickets were sold to non-locals and that number could increase next year if Griffith residents don’t get in quick.
“I’m just writing up the prospective tickets for next year and I’ve already sold 510 tickets,” Mr Catanzariti said.
“The ones I have sold for next year are mainly for people from out of town.
“There are maybe 50 or 60 (tickets sold) for people in town.”
Mr Catanzariti said from all accounts hospitality and accommodation services enjoyed busy weekends.
He also said people attending the festival got right into the spirit of the day.
“Lyndey Milan and John Mangos were joined comperes,” Mr Catanzariti said.
“They really made it enjoyable and got everyone into it.
“Towards the end everyone was up and dancing.”
There has been talk of expansion next year as the popularity of the event continues to grow.
“At this stage we don’t know (if the festival will expand),” Mr Catanzariti said.
“We hope to stay about the same size but we will have a meeting with the sponsors because they want to expand.
“The sponsors Leo Franco Motors and John Casella are right behind us.”
The day brought out the charitable side of people too.
A bottle of wine was auctioned off for $3000 and Joe Sergi donated his second place winnings of $500 to the private hospital.
Mr Catanzariti expects the 2016 event to sell out quickly.
He was called on anyone looking to attend next year’s Festa Delle Salsicce to get in early. People can call Roy Catanzariti on 0412 777 147 to reserve their tickets for next year.