Friday marked the start of the 27th annual Pat O'Brien Chevrolet Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce at the Italian-American Club in Wickliffe.

While the games are still the main attraction, Tournament Director Gino Latessa said even those unfamiliar with the sport can come enjoy the event.

"Someone that may not know a lot about bocce can still come and enjoy the festival," Latessa said. "It's more than just a bocce tournament."

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At the January 2010 meeting of the Wickliffe Italian-American Club, awards were given to five members. The first was given to Gino Latessa at the completion of his sixteenth year as club president. As president, Gino lead the club through many improvements including a major remodeling of our large hall, a remodeling of our club room, the expansion and covering of the bocce courts, the installing of our piazza, the growth of the Bocce tournament into the largest in the Midwest, and steady leadership during difficult economic times to keep us on sound financial ground. His passion and devotion to the club may be unparalleled in club history. And so we say to President emeritus Gino Latessa, grazie.

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Bob Brewer has been playing the game for 29 years and plans to play it until the day he dies.

A longtime Euclid resident who moved to Colorado last year, Brewer traveled back to Ohio this weekend for the 26th annual Pat O'Brien Chevrolet Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce Tournament at the Wickliffe Italian-American Club.

"I've played 25 years in this tournament ... and I'm planning every year, the good Lord willing, I'm coming to play," he said, adding he has a lot of friends and family who attend the tournament, making it all the more worth his visit.

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The Tournament/Festival committee has already started making plans for the 26th Annual Pat O'Brien Chevrolet Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce Tournament & Italian Festival, which will be held at the Wickliffe Italian-American Club, August 28th - 29th -30th. Planning begins in January and the committee spends countless hours in putting this great event together.

Based on a HUGE response received at last year's event, we have moved our cultural events on Saturday afternoon to the large pavilion. We also plan to expand our Italian Cultural portion of the event to include more cooking demonstrations from local restaurateurs & great Italian dancers and singers. On Friday evening we will host the "Cavalieri Reale Italian Band" and on Saturday night we will have "Pieces of Eight featuring Lakeside Brass". Admission for the festival, tournament, parking (with shuttle) for the entire weekend is FREE of Charge. Come down – relax and enjoy yourself.

If you have any questions please call Gino Latessa 216-789-6393.

Advertising Space

The Wickliffe Italian American Club is proud to offer advertising space on our website. If you are interested in advertising space please contact Rick Continenza at 440-943-6500 for more information, or use our printable application form.

Rates are one month $50.00
6 months $250.00
12 months $400.00

Full 2010 Events in Printable form. NOTE: Most events are members only, call 440-943-6957 if you have questions.

Thursday Night Bocce Schedule (PDF)