Joe Di Giacomo, who was a director of the Five Dock Learning Centre, which focused on teaching Italian, and a member of the Five Dock Main Street Committee, suggested it might be appropriate to give the event an Italian flavour and celebrate the area’s strong Italian influence in 1998.
The idea to emulate the national Italian holiday, Ferragosto, was born from there.
“Ferragosto is considered the height of the Italian summer with lots of celebrations and free events,” Mr Di Giacomo, who has family in the country and visits often, said.
“Many Italians take their summer vacation around this time, with the cities emptying and the beaches filling up,” he said.
"I vividly remember how everyone was a bit sceptical but also very optimistic the first year,” Mr Di Giacomo said.
“Council agreed to close off Garfield Street and a few food stalls were set up, along with cultural displays. The following year there were more businesses eager to participate.”
As the demand, size and cost of the event increased, so did The City of Canada Bay’s involvement.
The festival is now organised by the Council with support from sponsors and local businesses and stretches for about 800 metres in length plus the side streets off Great North Road.
Mr Di Giacomo believes the festival is much anticipated by the community each year as it provides fun for the whole family, while also paying tribute to Five Dock’s multicultural heritage.
“I love seeing the large crowds enjoying the day. There are rides and things to do for the children, plenty of Italian food and entertainment for the adults including Italian cooking demonstrations. Five Dock is a wonderful place to live because of its village atmosphere and unique opportunity to explore delicious Italian cuisine with wonderful shops providing the best of Italian products,” he said