There are times when you meet someone and start chatting, it’s as if you have known them for ages. Well, that was the case when I had the opportunity to chat with Nick Petito; the mastermind behind Paisan Con.

What is Paisan Con? Well, glad you asked.

Do you want to meet prominent Italian Americans from a variety of different fields? Would you like to connect with Italian American service organizations? Taste great food? Hear local musicians? Sit it on lectures and panels related to our culture? Well, Paisan Con is going to be all that and a lot more. The whole event takes place over two days this spring – April 13 &14 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Fairfield.

Oh, and by the way, Fairfield has the largest percentage of Americans of Italian heritage in the country.

While speaking with Nick, it is obvious he is incredibly sincere about his interest in highlighting all that is great about the Italian American ethnology.

“I want to see the community come together and celebrate the culture,” Nick said. “I want us to all work together.”

Over the two-day event, you will be immersed in the Italian American culture. From art, to music, to entertainment, and of course… food! There will also be a two-day film festival focused on the Italian American culture.

And Nick hopes to share our culture with others who are not of Italian descent.

“You don’t need to be Italian to be a paisan,” Nick said. And I wholeheartedly agree!

If you are part of an organization, a music group, an artist, cook, or associated with the Italian American culture, reach out to Nick, the organizer of Paisan Con and submit an idea. Key figures from the Italian American community are being added to the celebrity list on a daily basis, so make sure to check the website periodically to check out the latest and greatest additions.

This sounds like it is going to be a wonderful event and a great way to celebrate our culture. Just another reason to look forward to spring!