TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Digging In At Festa Italiana

Tribune photo by KATHY MOORE

Lita Bacasnett of Charleston, SC, reacts after stepping into a pool of white grapes to try her talents at grape stomping in Centennial Park in Ybor City during the 12th annual Festa Italiana.

ADVERTISEMENT

BY KATHY MOORE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 30, 2009

Blue skies and warm temperatures lured the hungry to Centennial Park in Ybor City on Sunday to honor all things Italian during the 12th annual Festa Italiana.

Area vendors sold pastas, seafood, crepes, meatballs and other savory dishes to crowds waiting in long lines, while others pulled up lawn chairs or blankets to listen to entertainers.

Festivalgoers curious about grape-stomping, an important part of traditional winemaking, gave it a try by stepping into a child's pool filled with white grapes.

"It was cool, squishy, and kind of felt like a foot massage," Tampa's Sandy Graham said after climbing out of the pool.

Proceeds from the event benefit the restoration of the Italian Club building.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT