The Fogolar Furlan Club of Windsor plans to sell its North Service Road property, 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.
Key Factors Behind the Decision
Club president Larry Masotti highlights economic and geopolitical instability, lingering pandemic effects, a shrinking wedding market, rising maintenance costs for the aging facility, and an older membership base as primary drivers.
“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.”
Overwhelming Member Backing
Masotti emphasizes the club’s viability, noting that 88 percent of voting members approved the change to secure its future. “I don’t see that at all [the club ceasing to exist]. I was so encouraged and so proud of the way the membership came together in making this vote,” he said.
Storied Venue Legacy
The club broke ground in 1961, opened its first building in 1966, added the 350-capacity Canada and Friuli halls in 1981, and underwent major renovations in 2002.
New Priorities Ahead
Over the next two years, the organization will prioritize cultural, social, educational, and youth activities, including heritage dinners, language and cooking classes, music and dance events, holiday celebrations, student exchanges with Italy’s Friuli region, and stronger community partnerships. Its role as a banquet hall will diminish.
All current bookings and contracts will proceed as planned for the coming year, maintaining the club’s renowned service and hospitality.
Bittersweet Reactions from Members
Members express sadness over the sale. Brian Zanier, head of the arts department at Assumption College Catholic High School, notes the venue’s role in school graduations, Mardi Gras events, and fundraising concerts. “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 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 constructing the building alongside fellow members. “Buildings were basically built by the members of the club,” he said. “We’ve been very lucky in the club that we’ve had every single trade you can imagine.”
Bertolissio supports the board’s choice amid current challenges but views it as “a sign of the times.” He reflects on the venue’s photos of departed builders: “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.”
