2009 Eldorado Great Italian Festival

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival is one of Reno's best street parties. I like it because everyone can have fun and participate as they want. You don't need to bring anything, like a classic car or motorcycle, to be part of the action. Just come to downtown Reno and sing, dance, listen to lively music, enjoy street performers, and sample tasty Italian food. The crowd is there to have a good time and it seems that everyone does.

We're talking about some authentic Italian activities here. If you've never seen a grape stomping contest, here's your chance to find out how wine making used to be. Perhaps you would like to learn about an Italian sport by way of the bocce ball tournament. The children can participate by entering the gelato eating contest. You'll also find the last big farmer's market of the season, with the Garlic Growers Association of Gilroy and the Castroville Artichoke Growers.

The Eldorado Great Italian Festival is held along Virginia Street in front of the Eldorado Hotel Casino and on the Eldorado's special events plaza on Fourth Street. It is Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

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