Folsom is gearing up for a full-on Italian embrace this September to mark a quarter century of kinship with its Sister City, Pieve del Grappa. The bond, now 25 years strong, harks back to 2000 when Folsom first linked hands with Crespano del Grappa, which has since merged into Pieve del Grappa. It's a nod not just to the area's Italian heritage but also to Italian-born pioneer Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, a name weaved into the city's fabrics with the Murer House still standing as a testament to this legacy. Celebrations in commemoration of this transatlantic friendship are outlined on the City of Folsom website.
“Our Sister City partnership with Pieve del Grappa has been an important part of Folsom for 25 years. It reflects our community’s Italian heritage and honors the legacy of Joe Murer,” Folsom's Mayor Sarah Aquino was quoted saying in a statement obtained by the City of Folsom's news release. This September, a spree of events—ranging from Italian-themed markets to live entertainment—are slated to unfold across Folsom, celebrating cultural camaraderie and history.
Kickstarting the revelry, "Ciao Folsom" takes place on September 13 at Historic Folsom where morning farmers markets will give way to an afternoon of Italian zest, complete with songs, sips, and sustenance, all arrayed against the backdrop of the Zittel Family Amphitheater. In a picturesque twist, paddleboarders costumed as Venetian gondoliers are set to glide along the American River, a spectacle that attendees can catch from the Truss Bridge.
Not to be outdone, the Folsom Public Library is stacking its shelves with Italy-focused features all through September. "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante frontlines the Adult Book Club gathering, while teens will gather a “Culture Capsule” to share with friends across the sea in Pieve del Grappa. In another corner of town, the Palladio at Broadstone amps up its summer concert on September 19 with a splash of Italian sweets and bubbles, further decking out the sisterly soirée. Moreover, foodies can savor a true taste of Italy with Pieve del Grappa-inspired menus at local dining spots.
For those feeling more hands-on, the Murer House has you covered. It's there, in a homestead belonging to Folsom’s Italian forebear, where robust offerings of cooking classes spanning the likes of pasta to tiramisu await eager learners and lovers of Italian cuisine come September and October.
