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, a shrinking wedding market, 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 … 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.”
Strong Member Support Ensures Future
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.”
A Rich History
The club broke ground in 1961, completed its first building in 1966, and expanded with the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls in 1981. A major renovation followed in 2002.
New Focus on Culture and Community
Over the next two years, the club prioritizes cultural, social, educational, and youth programs, including heritage dinners, language and cooking classes, music and dance events, holiday celebrations, youth initiatives, student exchanges with Italy’s Friuli region, and stronger community partnerships. Its role as a banquet hall will diminish.
The club commits to fulfilling all existing bookings and contracts for the next year, maintaining its renowned service and hospitality.
Members Express Mixed Emotions
Local members voice sadness over the change. Brian Zanier, head of the arts department at Assumption College Catholic High School and performer with wedding band Big Louie and the Band, notes the school’s long ties, including graduations, Mardi Gras events, and fundraisers.
“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.”
He adds personal ties: “I have so many cherished memories of growing up at the Fogolar. … Not only did my parents have their wedding reception at the Fogolar; my wife and I did as well.”
Carlo Bertolissio, whose father labored on the build, recalls member-driven construction. “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club,” he says. “We’ve been very lucky in the club that we’ve had every single trade you can imagine … Basically most of it was done just by feeding these guys.”
Bertolissio backs the decision amid challenges but laments the loss as “a sign of the times.” He reflects on photos of past members: “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.”
