On Father’s Day weekend, to cap off Italian Week in Ottawa, the crown prince of Italy Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia attended the 13th Annual Ferrari Festival.
“It was incredible to have a member of the Italian royal family be a part of an event that is so big, not just in the Italian community, but in Ottawa,” Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen’s VP of Sales and Marketing.
Members of the Ferrari Club of America (FCA) – Ottawa Chapter were given the opportunity to attend member-only meet and greets with the prince, and a luncheon for all the Ferrari owners, hosted by Italy’s Ambassador Claudio Taffuri.
There was also a gala dinner that both the prince and the ambassador were able to attend.
“This year Ambassador Claudio’s schedule permitted him and his wife Maria to join us for the gala dinner we held in honour of Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia,” Giuseppe says. “It was an amazing night, and a lot of fun.”
From left to right: Italian Ambassador Claudio Taffuri, Maria Taffuri, and Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia. Photo taken by Dino Cardamone.
About the Ferrari Festival
As one of the founding sponsors of the festival, Laurysen Kitchens is actively involved every year. “Over the course of the past 13 years, $150,000 has been raised for Villa Marconi, which is a long term health care centre for seniors in the Italian community,” explains Giuseppe. Other charities that have been supported in the past include the Kidney Foundation and Ottawa Stem Cell Research.
This festival, free to the public, was attended by over 200,000 spectators. Every year the four-day festival includes:
- Stationary car displays on Preston Street
- The Italian Car Parade
- A demo zone
- A Father’s Day Luncheon
Money is raised by selling Ferrari Dream Rides during the day. Anyone can purchase a ride and experience a thrill.
We fulfill many dreams of riding in a Ferrari over the four-day festival. Photo taken by Dino Cardamone.
They also raise money by throwing a dinner party with live and silent auctions on the Saturday night.
“Everyone is always welcome,” Giuseppe says. “It’s a great night with great food, conversation, and lots of amazing auction items.”
Taking a bird’s eye look at the gala dinner for His Royal Highness Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia. Photo taken by Dino Cardamone.
We’re Already Planning for 2019
We can hardly wait for next year’s spectacular display. Details for the 2019 Ferrari Festival can be found here >
In the meantime, check out our community page to see what else we have going on!
