Hickory – Ciao Hickory, a local nonprofit organization, is hosting the second annual Ciao Hickory Italian Festival on Sat. October 3rd, at The Palace (1932 16th St NE, Hickory, NC). The event is free entry, rain or shine, and runs 12pm – 5pm. Guests can expect a day filled with authentic Italian food, wines selections, music, cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and more.
The festival is family friendly and offers a full program designed to delight all ages. “Ciao Hickory started back in 2023, by hosting a monthly aperitivo, coordinated with the Italian Honorary Consulate of Charlotte’s nonprofit Casa della Cultura Italiana NC, and grew into a community of our own” says Executive Director, Maria Grosso. “Ciao Hickory welcomes all people of all various backgrounds and heritage: last year there were people speaking different languages, seating together at the same round table, sharing some focaccia and burrata — that is exactly the goal of the festival, to bring people together,” Grosso explains.
The festival promotes family-style seating, encouraging socialization. Maria Grosso shares, “In Italian culture, socialization is not just a social habit, but a core value that sustains health, happiness, and longevity.”
Ciao Hickory supports Italian language classes for both adults and children, as well as Italian cooking classes, wine tastings, and other educational and cultural activities accessible to the community. Nonprofit board members are Marco Tasca, Joy Miller, Dave Fontana, and Brad Scott. The organization is a registered 501(c)3.
For more information about Ciao Hickory, VIP tickets or how to become a sponsor, please visit www.ciaohickory.com.
