12/04/2025
To the past and present Italian Fest Committee, our volunteers, sponsors, Police Department, Fire Department, and City workers — this recognition is for all of you.
Last night, at the annual C3 Collinsville Awards Night, the Italian Fest was honored with the 2025 Spirit of Tourism Award—an incredible moment for our team and our community.
For more than 40 years, the Italian Fest has been one of Collinsville’s most cherished traditions. What began as a simple sidewalk sale and a celebration of our heritage has grown into a signature event that not only honors our roots but brings our entire community together.
The Italian Fest is more than a festival—it’s a force for good. Each year, local nonprofits raise funds through their participation, and those dollars go directly back into Collinsville. They support programs, services, and opportunities for our students and families. The impact of the festival extends far beyond the weekend; it strengthens our community all year long.
For the past seven years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside so many incredible individuals to plan and execute this event. Their dedication and passion—for the Fest and for Collinsville—continually inspire me. They motivate me to do more, to dream bigger, and to keep finding new ways to grow the Fest, strengthen our city, and make Collinsville the very best place to live and do business.
This award truly belongs to the past and present volunteer committees who have worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. Our committee includes business owners, Chamber members, and engaged community members who devote countless hours to this event. They work all year long, through long festival days with little rest, and continue on even after the last guest has left. Their dedication and passion are what keep this festival thriving after four decades.
To all who have volunteered their time, we could not do this without you. Thank you for your work in the beer stands, token booths, trash and cleanup teams, and everywhere we’ve needed an extra hand. Thank you for loving this community. And a special thank-you to everyone who stepped in after what I lovingly call the “Midwest hurricane” this year to get the Fest back up and running—you are truly remarkable.
To our Police and Firefighters, thank you for working alongside us and ensuring everyone’s safety throughout the Fest. And to our City workers, thank you for your support with setup, teardown, cleanup, and for tackling any power issues that arise.
Lastly, thank you to all our sponsors for your continued support. Your generosity allows us to keep this event thriving, introduce new activities, and provide a free family-friendly area for everyone to enjoy.
Our community is truly blessed with incredible people. Thank you all for an amazing 40+ years—here’s to many more ahead. 💜🇮🇹
“Grazie”
- Katie Slimick
Executive Director
Collinsville Chamber of Commerce
