Lonato’s 44th Fiera di S. Antonio to Showcase Local Agriculture, Wine & Traditions
The 44th edition of the traditional Fiera di S. Antonio, a flagship event for Lonato, scheduled for mid-January, will be under the patronage of both the Regione Lombardia and the Provincia di Brescia’s Culture Departments.
This was announced by the Fiera Committee, chaired by Mayor Morando Perini, who describes the decision as “a recognition of the commitment made and the results achieved. With a touch of nostalgia, a nod to the present, and a look to the future, we are about to open the doors to the 44th Lonato Fair.”
The dates have already been set: from Friday, January 18 to Monday, January 21, 2002. In the meantime, the registration forms are being sent out to all companies interested in participating.
Revitalization and Goals of the Fair
“After a few years in which the Fair had dwindled significantly, since last year, thanks to the efforts of the Committee and a revitalization policy promoted by the municipal administration, the Fair seems to have regained its path towards becoming an important event for Lonato.
It will no longer simply be an occasion for large commercial transactions as it once was, but the ingredients for attracting many visitors to Lonato are all present: from agricultural machinery (exhibitors have returned in good numbers since last year, thanks to a policy offering significant rental incentives for exhibit modules) to diverse trade products and high-quality enogastronomic offerings, for which Fiera di Lonato boasts a long-standing tradition…”
Research and Transformation of the Event
Since last year, a decisive shift has been made to revitalize this characteristic of the Fair, with an ambitious goal: as this is an agricultural-origin fair, it aims to showcase not only finished high-quality products (cured meats, cheeses, wines, etc.) but also the basic ingredients derived from agriculture, preferably organic.
There is thus a focus on seeking out producers and vendors of meat, fruit, and flours—the raw materials used to produce final goods.
The return of the Fair to its origins as a pig market could not overlook, as it did in the past, transforming Corso Garibaldi into an actual fairground space, where various local groups can display their memories and showcase their current products.
The Challenge of Representing the Entire Community
“An important challenge lies here: to ensure that the fair represents all of Lonato and that a proper appreciation is given to the many agricultural and livestock products of the town…”
