Italian Cultural Center’s Balliamo folkloric trooper parade Italian motorcycles. The dancers are among hundreds of Italophiles who scootered to Carmichael for the center’s annual automotive fest.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The Italian Cultural Society celebrated Mediterranean motors with a four- and two-wheeled festival last weekend.

A fleet of Vespa and Ducati motorcycles paraded rainbow colors at the Italian Cultural Center in Carmichael. Alpha Romeos lounged in splendor with Mazeratis and Fiats. The center’s second annual “Made in Italy Automotive Festival” brought hundreds of auto-fans to the center’s parking lot.

“We love to bring our culture to Carmichael,” said the center’s deputy director Vincenzo Cerruti. “Motorcycles are a cute novelty to Americans but in the streets of Italy, they’re the default vehicle. They’re absolutely everywhere.”

The center sponsors folkloric dance troops, whose members hopped, skipped and hoofed on hot tar seal. Indoors, an exhibit honored “the Pride of Sacramento” Joe Petrali, the motorcycle champ who set a world speed record in 1937 at Daytona and won a record 49 national championships.

 

Bambini, a children’s dance troop sponsored by the cultural center, dance among Italian motorcycles.

A mountain of pasta was washed down with Italian beer, wine and mineral water. Organizer Cerruti ladled sausage sauce on rigatoni and called the event a “perfect blend of Italy’s proudest products.

“Italian automobiles, music, dancing and great food: it all goes together like peanut butter and jelly.” Cerruti declared. “Or perhaps I should say spaghetti and meatballs.”

The Italian Cultural Center is located at 6821 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael. Learn about events and programs at www.italiancenter.net.

Festival sponsors included Sacramento Scooter Rides, Sacramento Ducati Club, Delta Sierra Alpha Romeo Club, Montoliva Vineyard and Winery, and the Italian Cultural Society.