All of you salami aficionados rejoice! It’s that time of year again when those secret salami recipes are carefully removed and families come together to make their best ever specimens.
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The 2018 Griffith Salami Festival is once again creating a lot of interest not just in Griffith, but in the surrounding Riverina and Australia as a whole
Now in it’s 19th year, the festival is set to be held in August on Sunday 26 at Pioneer Park.
From humble beginnings with only 30 people at the inaugural event, tickets have already sold out, with people coming from WA, SA, Victoria as well as Sydney, Woolongong and Newcastle.
Applications for salami entries are now available, allowing residents the opportunity to compete their family favorites against those from all across NSW and Victoria.
The festival’s original pioneer Roy Catanzariti said the festival itself will be largely made up of out-of-towners, making it a “huge economic windfall for Griffith.”
“We think the event has become so popular due to the fact that it is like attending a big Italian family affair, with a great atmosphere, plenty of food, wine, home-made Italian sweets and of course salami!” Mr Catanzariti said.
The salami judging before the festival will be held on August 25 at the Yoogali Club, and will see 24 celebrity and local judges deciding which entry has what it takes to be crowned the best home-made salami.
The prestigious title is kept secret until the announcements the following day at the festival, once again hosted by John Mangos and new special guest Tracey Spicer.
“There is always a lot of interest in the judging, so we have arranged is so visitors can come in and see what goes on and how it works,” Mr Catanzariti said.
He says salami competition is getting tougher but the locals are still very hard to beat.
Entering a salami into the competition is free, and every entry goes into the draw for a vacuum packing machine, regardless of where they finish.
“The prize money for the top three is also substantial, so it is really worth giving it a go – We encourage all makers of home-made salami to enter.”
Entry forms can be found at MIA Casa, Leo Franco Motors or TLE Electrical and Data Suppliers Griffith, or call Roy Catanzariti on 0412 777 147, and must be received by Friday August 24.
Salamis must be 1kg in weight so there is enough for judging.