The Patrons of Italian Culture will hold their annual “Ferragosto”, Sunday afternoon, August 12. 
 
The theme for this year’s event will be a “Venetian Gondola Get-a-Way” and will be held ‘beach-side’ at the beautiful Belmont Shores lagoon in Long Beach. Each year the Patrons’ Ferragosto event is widely attended and has featured Italian singing groups, theatrical performers, dance ensembles, stage plays and opera recitals. This year’s event promises to be one of the finest and most unusual and exciting, reports Paul Romano, Patrons’ President. 
 
The day’s event starts at 4 p.m. with a social hour and live entertainment held under a shaded beach-side pavilion. A sumptuous ‘home-made’ catered luncheon will follow featuring: an insalata festiva, penne con pomodoro e basilico, verdure grigliate, salsiccia alla griglia, pollo al rosmarino alla griglia, and a frutta di stagione, all accompanied by fine wines and soft drinks. A beautiful sandy beach will attract guests to dip their toes in the lagoon and will provide safe swimming for young children, aged 5-12, who are being invited to attend with their parents and grand-parents. Summer beach-side ‘chic’ attire is recommended. Gondola rides for all guests will follow which will feature singing Gondoliers and provide everyone with a true Venetian sailing experience. A surprise raffle will allow guests to win wonderful prizes and will cap off a truly unique experience. 
 
Gondola Getaway started in 1981 with an 18-foot Gondola replica at Naples Islands and was an immediate success. A second Gondola soon arrived to help with the growing number of residents and visitors who wanted to experience a true Venetian experience. Since1982, Gondola Getaway has brought ‘old world charm’ and a thousand year old tradition to Southern California. Their fleet is now the largest in America.
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