Festivale Italiano successful despite rain

HURLEY - After a rainy start, Festivale Italiano went off without a hitch on Saturday afternoon in downtown Hurley, with more than 1,000 people attending the annual event.

Rain caused the event to be delayed for 30 minutes, but according to Dorrene O'Donnell, executive director of the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, everything fell into place.

"The community came together, despite the weather, to support this event and each other," O'Donnell said. "I'm just thrilled at how this turned out."

Visitors browsed through craft items, took a turn in a bounce house, got their face painted and dined on authentic Italian food, lining Silver Street from one end to the other.

"This downtown area turns into a party," O'Donnell said. "People have so much fun, and it's hometown Americana, which showcases our community. Nothing is better than that."

For some attendees, the festival is an annual tradition, but for others, this year marked their first trip.

"We have family in Bessemer, and this is our first time ever being here," said Brenda Salaj, of Seymour, Wis., while visiting a craft booth with her husband Brandyn and daughters Kortney, Bryanna and Bella. "We like it so far."

It was also a first time visit for the Anderson family, of Golden Valley, Minn. Mike Anderson is originally from Bessemer and had never attended the event before. He, his wife Rita and son Daniel decided to attend the event last minute.

"We didn't even know it was taking place until we saw an article about it in the Daily Globe," Rita Anderson said. "It looked like a lot of fun."

In addition to the crafts, games and food, attendees also listen to music throughout the afternoon, courtesy of The Teds, Marty's Goldenaires and the Whitehouse Players.

Each year, a 50/50 raffle also takes place, and the ticket number selected was 4596 for $1,355. According to O'Donnell, 95 percent of the tickets were sold on Saturday alone.

This year also marked the second annual window decorating contest for local downtown business. Participants had to decorate their window with an Italian theme, and this year's winner was Sharon's Coffee Company. O'Donnell said Sharon's gets one year of bragging rights and a wooden trophy created by Highline Corporation in Hurley.

Despite the success of the festival, O'Donnell said she is already beginning to plan the next one.

"Next year we hope to have a ferris wheel," O'Donnell said. "That is my goal."

As for future events, the chamber is preparing for the upcoming ATV Pumpkin Run in October and the Snowmobile Olympus in January.

"We are always thankful for folks coming out to visit our communities and these events," O'Donnell said. "If anyone has any ideas for events, please contact the chamber at any time. We like to here suggestions to make these things better."

For more information, call the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-561-4334, or visit hurleywi.com.