The Fogolar Furlan Club of Windsor plans to sell its longtime property on North Service Road, a beloved venue for weddings, concerts, banquets, and community events over decades. This 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 structure, and an older membership base as key factors. “The market has changed, people are not going out as often,” Masotti stated. “Weddings that may have been 500 people a decade ago are now 100 and 120 people. 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.”
Strong Member Support for Change
Masotti dismisses concerns about the club’s survival. “I don’t see that at all,” he said. “I was so encouraged and so proud of the way the membership came together in making this vote. 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 Venue History
The club broke ground on the facility in 1961, completing the initial building in 1966. It expanded with the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls in 1981 and underwent major renovations in 2002.
Focus on Cultural Programming
Over the next two years, the organization 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 club reduces its banquet operations while honoring all existing bookings and contracts for the coming year, maintaining its renowned service and hospitality.
Members Share Bittersweet Reactions
The news draws mixed emotions from members. Brian Zanier, head of the arts department at Assumption College Catholic High School, notes the school’s deep ties through graduations, Mardi Gras dinners, and Tunes on the Patio fundraisers. “The students were very shocked and saddened to hear about the closing of the Fogolar,” Zanier shared. “They have created many fond memories at the club and are sad to see it end.”
Zanier, a performer with wedding band Big Louie and the Band, adds personal nostalgia: “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 role in construction, emphasizing member labor: “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club. 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 backs the board’s choice amid challenges but laments the loss: “It will be sad to see it go and called it a ‘sign of the times.’ I go in there, there’s photos of all the people. 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.”
