Brescia Fair Highlights: Agriculture, Food Safety, and Local Events
Yesterday morning, the 43rd edition of the Lonato Regional Fair was officially inaugurated, the first of the year in Brescia. The event was opened by the red, white, and green ribbon-cutting at the entrance of the exhibition grounds by Viviana Beccalossi, Vice President and Agriculture Councilor of the Lombardy Region. Alongside her were Lonato’s mayor Morando Perini, the head of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Agricultural and Forest Policies, the provincial Agriculture assessor Giampaolo Mantelli, civic and military authorities, municipal councilors, the town band, and many visitors.
This was followed by a walk-through of the stands, with a second “inauguration” of the “Gusto” pavilions in the town square. In the Celesti hall, Mayor Perini emphasized the administration’s goal to revitalize the fair through new sectors, such as high-quality enogastronomy, recalling that “the territory of Lonato remains largely agricultural.”
Focus on Products and Food Safety
“Agriculture — added Viviana Beccalossi — plays a fundamental role in maintaining the environment, while consumers expect quality guarantees. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on producing products of absolute quality, which has been represented at the fair by wines, oils, cheeses, and Brescia meats.”
Regarding meat and the issues surrounding “mad cow disease,” the regional Agriculture assessor assured that within 3 weeks, Brescia’s Veterinary Institute will be able to perform all BSE tests and provide results within 24 hours. From tomorrow, 500 tests will be carried out daily, increasing to 700, and ultimately reaching 1,000.
Viviana Beccalossi asked the Ministry to remember, when funds are allocated, that 75% of the slaughters in Italy are tested here. She also recalled signing an ordinance the day before yesterday that allocates a subsidy of 1,000 lire per kilogram for those who, awaiting test results, wish to freeze the animals slaughtered. The head of the Ministry’s Cabinet and later the provincial assessor Giampaolo Mantelli delivered their greetings.
Fair Projects and Side Activities
Yesterday afternoon, with Corso Garibaldi closed to traffic, a new exhibition area dedicated to “memories” of the fair was opened, animated by residents of some hamlets. Today, the last day of the Lonato exhibition, the program includes a non-competitive cross-country race organized by Avis at 9:00 and an itinerant concert by the Lonato Band at 9:30.
At 10:30, a conference organized by Coldiretti will take place at the town hall on the theme: “Eating healthily is still possible: denominations of origin and typicity of Italian gastronomic products.” The 43rd edition of the fair concludes this evening at 10:00 PM.
Festivals and Events of the Third Day
On Wednesday the 17th, the “Sagra di S. Antonio Abate” will be held, featuring the traditional blessing of animals on the steps of the S. Antonio church at 4:00 PM and the subsequent awards ceremony for the most beautiful animals in the square. At the town hall, a “chisol” (a typical farmer’s sweet) contest will take place, followed by closing activities at 8:30 PM, including awards, roasted chestnuts, wine, and music.