The festival organiser collapsed during the Saturday judging contest – suffering dehydration, worsened by heart problems  – and immediately rushed to hospital. 

But he was back on Sunday to join My Kitchen Rules stars Martino Convertino and Luciano Ippoliti and veteran journalist John Mangos in present the winners with their prize money. 

Over 120 people entered their best home made salami on Saturday, and they were put to the test by a panel of expert judges. 

The top three prize winners, announced on Sunday, were as follows:

1^st prize – Rosalee Sergi ($2100)

2^nd prize – John Carbone ($600)

3^rd prize – Cassie and Luca Bernardini ($300)

“It was our best festival ever, we had 1150 people attend,” Mr Catanzariti said. 

When asked about his health, he said on Monday he was “ back to 100 per cent”.

The festival was MC-ed by Greek-born John Mangos, who used his humour to bond with the predominately Italian crowd. 

“Us Greeks invented sex, but you Italians introduced it to women,” he joked. 

The festival was attended by Federal member of Farrer Sussan Ley, state member for Murray Adrian Piccoli and Mayor John Dal Broi, who was celebrating his birthday.

The Griffith Festa del Salsicce e Salami also attracted a number of tourists. 

“The event is just amazing, well worth the six hour drive. It’s our sixth year in a row here, ” Caroline Ficarra said, who had drive from Shellharbour with husband Aldo to be there.