Italian-themed market and street scene launch tribute to Pieve del Grappa
FOLSOM—The celebration of Folsom’s 25-year Sister City relationship with Pieve del Grappa, Italy, gets underway this Saturday in the heart of the city with Ciao Folsom!, a lively festival that will transform the Historic Folsom Farmers Market into an Italian street scene filled with food, music, and culture.
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 13, the Sutter Street Plaza and Railroad Turntable will host a bustling open-air marketplace with a distinctly Italian flair. Shoppers can browse fresh local produce and specialty vendors while enjoying Italian food and beverages for sale at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. Beginning at 11 a.m., the amphitheater will come alive with Italian-themed entertainment, creating the perfect backdrop for a family-friendly day of culture and celebration.
Adding to the spectacle, paddleboarders dressed as gondoliers will make their way down the American River at 10 a.m., visible from the iconic Truss Bridge. This unique highlight symbolizes the spirit of cultural exchange and fun that has defined the Sister City partnership since its creation in 2000. Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome.
Ciao Folsom is just the beginning of a monthlong tribute to international friendship between Folsom and Pieve del Grappa. On Friday, September 19, the Sister City Celebration at Palladio will bring Italian-inspired flair to the summer concert series at Palladio at Broadstone. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests will enjoy live music, prosecco, tiramisu, festive décor, and Italian-inspired offerings from participating merchants and restaurants.
The Folsom Public Library is joining the celebration with Italian-themed programming throughout September. Highlights include an Adult Book Club discussion of Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend on Thursday, September 11, at 11 a.m.; a pasta-inspired “Make It!” activity on Thursday, September 18, at 3 p.m.; and a Family Movie Matinee screening of Lucaon Saturday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m. Teens will also prepare a cultural capsule to share with peers in Pieve del Grappa, strengthening connections between the two communities.
For food lovers, the Back Bistro at Palladio will present a special Pieve del Grappa Tasting Menu on Friday, September 19, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. The three-course menu draws inspiration from seasonal Italian flavors and offers an intimate dining experience by reservation only. Meanwhile, the Murer House, one of Folsom’s most cherished historic landmarks, will host a series of Italian cooking classes in September and October. The lineup includes hands-on lessons in classic dishes such as rigatoni al ragù, tiramisu, sweet potato gnocchi, ravioli, tortellini, arancini, fettuccini with seafood sauce, and polenta with meatballs.
The anniversary celebration also highlights the legacy of Giuseppe “Joe” Murer, whose vision left an enduring mark on the city. Murer immigrated from Crespano del Grappa to Folsom in the early 1900s, where he became a businessman, builder, and community leader. In 1921, he purchased property and began designing his Italianate home, completing it in 1927 with the help of Italian craftsmen. Surrounded by grapevines, fruit trees, and terraced gardens, the Murer House reflected the beauty of his homeland.
Today, the Murer House and Gardens, located at 1125 Joe Murer Court, serves as a cultural center and museum offering tours, classes, and events. Operated by the Murer House Foundation, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022 and continues to celebrate Folsom’s Italian heritage. Each year, the site honors the Sister City connection with events tied to Pieve del Grappa, Murer’s birthplace.
Though Crespano del Grappa merged with Paderno del Grappa in 2019 to form Pieve del Grappa, the Sister City relationship with Folsom remains strong. Established in the spirit of the Sister Cities International program launched by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the partnership has grown into a cultural bridge connecting two communities across the globe.
This year’s anniversary not only honors 25 years of friendship but also celebrates the spirit of heritage, culture, and connection that continues to shape Folsom. For a full schedule of events, visit www.folsom.ca.us/SisterCity.
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