Lonato Fair Returns to Historic Center with New Dates and Events
The Lonato Fair returns to its roots and rediscoveres the historic center. The 43rd edition of the agricultural and handicraft event will occupy what was once its old exhibition area: corso Garibaldi, the former state road, and piazzetta Savoldi. Naturally, the entire historic center will also be involved.
Traffic closure and new dates
Yes, corso Garibaldi and viale Roma will be closed to traffic on Saturday, January 13, and Sunday, January 14, approximately between the carabinieri barracks (via Salvo d’Acquisto) and the bus stop at the bar Sport, at the bend entering Lonato. Traffic will be diverted onto via Montebello near the railway station.
The other novelty, announced the other evening by Mayor and Fair Committee President, Morando Perini, concerns the dates: from January 12 to 14, instead of the traditional days around the feast of Saint Anthony the Great, which falls on the 17th.
Why? “Because during those days,” responds Perini, “the Aliment fair in Montichiari is scheduled; we do not want to compete with that event, but we also do not want to give up tradition. Lonato has always been the first fair of the year in Lombardy.”
Organization and events
In addition to via Garibaldi, the fair will extend through the entire historic center: every corner, every alleyway will become a gathering place, a venue for exhibitions and attractions. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday morning, January 13, at 10 a.m. in front of the middle schools.
The presence of the Minister of Agricultural Resources, Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, is almost certain (a confirmation telex is expected by Monday at the municipality), while the godmothers of the first fair of the third millennium will be two people aged 43, matching the age of the Lonato event.
Last night, a vernissage was scheduled at Teatro Italia with the official presentation of the Numero Unico (the publication containing various articles about the fair) and, in effect, the launch of the event’s celebrations. The town band entertained the attendees with a concert.
The organizational machinery has been mobilized since August 2000. A lean and efficient committee, led by Stefano Barovelli and composed of Alessandra Fontana, Paolo Marcoli, Davide Bollani, Gabriele Mutti, and others, has leveraged various experiences. Meanwhile, until yesterday, 130 exhibitors had already announced their participation.
Products and traditions
Another distinctive feature of the 2001 fair will be the presence of numerous protection consortia from all over Italy, showcasing their best controlled origin products. Examples include Umbrian olive oil, Tuscan wines, Sicilian oranges, and Sardinian products.
Regarding the Saint Anthony the Great festival, there will be a «tail» of the Lonato fair. In the afternoon, traditional animal blessings and awards will take place, along with the selection of the best «chisöl», an ancient regional sweet, and finally, the awarding of the most beautiful shop window created by local merchants.