End of Summer Fest makes engines and enthusiasm roar

By Chiara MattiroloOctober 3, 2019

End of Summer Fest makes engines and enthusiasm roar
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Camp Darby Italian American Community of Darby Military Installation enjoyed a Community Fest and Car Show September 28. This event was an occasion for Italian and American members of the community to join and have fun with Italian guests from a loc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
End of Summer Fest makes engines and enthusiasm roar
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Camp Darby Italian American Community of Darby Military Installation enjoyed a Community Fest and Car Show September 28. This event was an occasion for Italian and American members of the community to join and have fun with Italian guests from a loc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
End of Summer Fest makes engines and enthusiasm roar
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Camp Darby Italian American Community of Darby Military Installation enjoyed a Community Fest and Car Show September 28. This event was an occasion for Italian and American members of the community to join and have fun with Italian guests from a loc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP DARBY, Italy (Oct. 2, 2019) - After four years of renovation and changes, refurbished enthusiasm renewed the Camp Darby Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored End-of-Summer Fest for the first time in four years, September 28.

This event was an occasion for Italian and American members of the community to join and have fun with Italian guests from a local car club and exchange experiences among people sharing same interests and hobbies. More than 500 people attended, strengthening Soldiers, civilians, and families' friendship in Tuscany.

"These type of occasions provide a fun venue that allows our community members the opportunity to interact with coworkers and family members and to further personal enrichment through cultural integration," said Deputy Garrison Manager Robert Larimore.

"I am excited to see how many people took part in this fest, the good weather helped, but the participation, collaboration and support between the various organizations worked perfectly highlighting the most significant meaning of being together, to build esprit de corps," said Camp Darby Morale, Welfare and Recreation Manager, Ernest Beezley.

The main event of the fest was a car tuning show and competition. One hundred cars were entered thanks to the efforts of the Evolution Car Tuning Club. Of the cars, 30 historical vehicles were included.

"We started our collaboration with the U.S. Military Installation in 2009 when we took part in the so called "Tuning night" said Paolo Mazzocchi, Evolution Tuning Club secretary. "Our only American member, Eldon Michael came up with this incredible idea and since then every year during the Camp Darby Carnival we joined with a car tuning event".

The Fest also featured various games and refreshments booths. The Camp Darby BOSS association cooked hamburgers for the guests and the Camp Darby Girl Scouts sold cookies and cupcakes.

"I am sure this event is the first of many to come, I was really excited to see the growth of this cross talk between Italian and American communities," said Lt. Col. Michelle Agpalza, Commander 405th Army Field Support Battalion-Africa.

Darby Military Community responded with enthusiasm to this happening.

"This was for me a great chance to spend some quality time with my family and to show them my working environment and friends," said Sonia Benassini, Darby Military Community Operations Liaison.

"I am sure this was a chance to many of our guests to learn about our community and how strong and motivated we are," Agpalza said.

The Darby Military Community supported the fest as the big family it is and everyone brought precious contributions, from planning to execution.

"The Camp Darby car show was a tremendous success and a huge morale boost for our community. This event illustrates the potential we have to move beyond the trials and tribulations of the EIC and the Camp Darby Consolidation," said Lt. Col. Scott Wyatt, Commander 839th Transportation Battalion (SDDC). "I'll admit, I was skeptical, but the entire community came together, to both put on and enjoy a great event; I think I can speak for the entire community in saying that we are all excited for the next event and the promise that it brings to the Camp Darby Community!"

Learn more on upcoming community events on https://home.army.mil/italy/index.php , https://www.facebook.com/Darby-Military-Community-USAG-Italy-964854870222791/ , or on the weekly newsletter.