Vaughan Pizzafest will take to the Woodbridge Fairgrounds this summer in a not-to-be-missed event. Festival chairman Remo Palladini gives us the deep (dish) scoop on on what Pizzafest is all about.

This year marks Vaughan’s 25th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with pizza and beer? Pizzafest will make its debut this July, celebrating the food we all know and love, with a side of ice-cold craft beer and a local twist. Featuring pizzerias and craft breweries from across Ontario, this event, which runs July 15–17, will definitely be one fit for a birthday celebration.

Remo Palladini, Pizzafest chairman, says the event — which will be held at the Woodbridge Fairgrounds — caters to everyone in the Vaughan community. “It’s going to be full of live entertainment all weekend long, with both local and big names. We’ll also have lots of pizza and drink vendors, and fun games for the kids.”

“It’s kind of like Ribfest, but with pizza instead,” he adds with a laugh. Ricci’s Pizzeria and Pie, local Vaughan favourites, will be some of the many restaurants making an appearance at the festival to sell their signature dishes. Ricci’s will be selling mini versions of its famous deep-fried panzos, while Pie will feature its lunch-size pies and signature Salty Balls appetizer.

Vaughan’s own Lake Wilcox Brewing Co. will also be selling their craft beer at the festival, alongside other brewers from across Ontario.

With a lineup like this, Pizzafest will definitely be an event people want to come back to year after year. Remo says that this will be the first of many Pizzafests to come. “The idea is, I love pizza. Everybody loves pizza, and no one has done a pizza festival before, so somebody had to do it. Vaughan is the perfect place to do it because there’s so many pizzerias around here,” he says, “and it’s Vaughan’s 25th birthday, so I figured, let’s have a big pizza party!”

A portion of the proceeds raised at the festival will go to the Vaughan Yeomen RFC and Action in Recovery.

So, bring your empty stomach and be ready to feast, because Pizzafest will be an event you do not want to miss
this summer.

Check out www.vaughanpizzafest.com for Ticket Packages, Vendor Booth information and the full Pizzeria, Brewery & Entertainment lineup. Use Promo Code Mycitylife and save!

Follow us on Twitter @allaboutvaughan for special contests and announcements.

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

July 15, 4 p.m.–11 p.m.
Ricci’s Pizzeria Presents:
Festa Italia Friday

Performing: Z103.5 on location
Comedian Frank Spadone
Laura Cavacece
Vaughan’s own Joee, singer of “Angel” and “Feel It In The Air”
Juno-nominated artist
Carlo Coppola

July 16, 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
Indie Night at Pizzafest!

Bocce Tournament
Pizza Eating Contest

Performing: Rock Therapy
Thunderfunk
Stuck on Planet Earth and more!
Headlining: Fast Romantics

July 17  12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Super Family Funday

Reptilia’s Mobile Cruiser
Legoland Discovery Centre
Vaughan’s own Toronto Maple Leaf Frank Corrado Autograph Session + Many More!
Tons of Kids Stuff!

Performing: Claudio Santaluce
Mr. Chris &
the Gassy Bubbles
Full Tilt

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO