Benvenuti i miei amici!

Welcome, my friends, to Ciao Italia Matthews, the first festival in the history of Matthews dedicated to celebrating the unique culture, food, music, art, products, history, language and fellowship that is Italy.

Bringing this event to Matthews has been a dream of mine since I became part of the Matthews family more than 12 years ago. I am grateful that my life has been blessed with so many incredible friends who have helped me make this dream become a reality.

Over 120 years ago, two young Italian immigrants came to America to build a better life for themselves. A young woman, Salvatrice Perez, born in the small town of Belvedere, Sicily, and a young man, Antonio Tofano, born in Musellaro, a village in the hills of the Abruzzo region, came to America with nothing but a few dollars in their pockets. They met for the first time months after they arrived. That moment in time brings us all here today, together, to enjoy the culture that I cherish and love.

Ciao Italia Matthews is special in so many ways because of its talented entertainers, hardworking volunteers, and the fine cuisine and products provided by our vendors. But none of this would have happened without dear friends who stood beside me throughout the entire process and to whom I wish to give special recognition.

Lou Carletto, who produced Ciao Italia Charlotte for many years and was a valuable resource of knowledge and support.

Ralph Messara, President of the Christopher Columbus Italian Club of Charlotte and all of its wonderful members, who volunteered many hours to make the festival a success.

Matt Pascale who designed all of the beautiful vendor booth artwork, contributed to the event booklet design and provided the photography and video coverage of the event.

Mike and Kyle Brock of Cotton Gin Printing who worked tirelessly to print the vendor booth artwork and the signage that is used throughout the event.

Fred Dorsey and Jim Hardzinski who helped me to build all of the custom vendor booths, tables, benches, sunshades and so much more.

Joe and Jaclyn Sabatino whose special friendship and support in all phases of the festival, has been an invaluable contribution to its success.

Adrian Garson, Executive Producer of the Charlotte Media Group and a dear friend, for being a sponsor of the event and coordinating the superb printed advertising campaign.

JSD Creative, who worked many hours at my side to design the web site and the social media graphics. Their talent and hard work were an invaluable contribution to this event.

My family and dear friends who stood by me with their love and support to help me to make this dream come true.

I hope you are enjoying your time here with me today.

Ciao!  

‍ ‍Mark Tofano