Windsor’s Fogolar Furlan Club announces plans to sell its North Service Road property, a longstanding hub for weddings, concerts, banquets, and community events. The move supports a shift toward a member-centered cultural organization dedicated to Friulan and Italian heritage.
Challenges Driving the Decision
Club President Larry Masotti highlights economic and geopolitical instability, lingering pandemic effects, evolving wedding trends, rising maintenance costs for the aging facility, and an older membership base as key factors. “The market has changed, people are not going out as often … weddings that may have been 500 people a decade ago are now 100 and 120 people,” Masotti states. “There’s been increased competition in the wedding market as well and the banquet market … [people are] not going out as much post-pandemic, and we’re seeing the ramifications of that.”
A Secure Future Ahead
Masotti dismisses concerns about the club’s survival. “I don’t see that at all. I was so encouraged and so proud of the way the membership came together in making this vote,” he says. “Essentially, 88 per cent of those that voted voted in favor of making this move because they want to reposition the club for the future.”
Rich History of the Venue
Construction began in 1961, with the initial building completed in 1966. Expansions continued for nearly two decades, including the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls opened in 1981, followed by major renovations in 2002.
New Focus on Cultural Programming
Over the next two years, the club prioritizes cultural, social, educational, and youth activities. Offerings include heritage dinners, language and cooking classes, music and dance events, holiday celebrations, youth programs, student exchanges with Italy’s Friuli region, and stronger community partnerships. The organization reduces its banquet operations while honoring all existing bookings and contracts for the coming year, maintaining its renowned service standards.
Members Express Mixed Emotions
Local members voice sadness over the change. Brian Zanier, head of arts at Assumption College Catholic High School, notes the venue’s role in school graduations, Mardi Gras dinners, and fundraising concerts. “The students were very shocked and saddened to hear about the closing of the Fogolar,” Zanier shares. “They have created many fond memories at the club and are sad to see it end.”
Zanier, a musician with Big Louie and the Band, adds personal ties: “I have so many cherished memories of growing up at the Fogolar. My father would take me to work when we were young but we would always stop by at the club for a cold refreshing drink afterwards. … Not only did my parents have their wedding reception at the Fogolar; my wife and I did as well.”
Carlo Bertolissio recalls his father’s labor in building the facility alongside fellow members. “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club,” he explains. “We’ve been very lucky in the club that we’ve had every single trade you can imagine … from laborers to brick layers to tile layers to paint or stuff. … Basically most of it was done just by feeding these guys.”
Bertolissio supports the board’s choice amid current challenges but laments the loss as a “sign of the times.” “I go in there, there’s photos of all the people,” he reflects. “I knew a lot of these guys … personally that were members of the club through the construction, right? … A lot of these guys are gone now, you know?”
