After 19 years at the helm of one of Griffith’s biggest success stories, Roy Catanzariti has announced he will step back from running the annual Festa Delle Salsicce.
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He made the announcement on Sunday after a huge weekend. Over 1100 people stepped out to enjoy the best Griffith had to offer.
After almost two decades as the event’s coordinator, Mr Catanzariti wants to see the festival take on new life
“I’ve met people from all over Australia. They’re friends you have for life. I still talk to most of these people at least once a year,” he said.
I’ve met people from all over Australia. They’re friends you have for life. I still talk to most of these people at least once a year.
- Roy Catanzariti
“This is the last year. You get to a stage in life where you have to move on. We need young people to take it over. I’d say there are two or three young people ready to put their hands up. I’ll give them my support,” he said.
His last year was bigger and better than before. Mr Catanzariti is confident that success will only continue.
“We had a big crowd and it went well last year, but this year we had a bigger crowd and it went even better,” he said.
“I’d say there is at least 1150 people here. I’d say next year it’ll be just as big.”
Saturday saw a selection of judges come together to test out over 100 salamis.
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People came from far and wide to see Griffith’s greatest salami crowned for another year.
Judges spent Saturday tasting over 150 entrants for Griffith’s annual salami festival. First place winners were brothers Michael and Luca Gamba.
Luca Gamba accepted the award on the pair’s behalf. He said he was thrilled to have taken out the top prize. He said his brother’s expertise was the secret to any good salami.
“It’s exciting. Me and my brother make the salami together, so this time it’s under my name. We’ve won three times now ... We’ve proved ourselves again.”
The full list of winners:
- First place: Luca and Michael Gamba
- Second place: Andrew Ross
- Third place: David Gigliotti
- Fourth place: Cathy Sergi
- Fifth place: Jason Salton
- Sixth place: Frank Barbaro
- Seventh place: Dominic Fattore
- Eighth place: Anthony Trimboli
- Ninth place: Joe Sergi
- Tenth place: Frank Cristarella
The top three entrants were announced by Griffith’s own Leo Franco and John Casella.
Following the awards celebration, the festivities continued.
Mayor John Dal Broi said the annual festival was a source of pride for the town.
“I think it’s been a marvellous weekend. To see so many people from out of town travel from all over Australia is absolutely brilliant,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Mr Catanzariti and his years of hard work.
“What can you say about a guy, who for 19 years, this has been his baby? What he generally does is after tomorrow, he starts taking bookings for this year,” he said.
“It’s a 12 month project. He’s got some great helpers. I’m confident it’ll continue well.”
