Italian cuisine may be famous worldwide for its pastas and pizzas, but some of the fondest memories held by older generations belong to the foraged fruits of autumn - especially chestnuts.
The traditional nut, known as castagne, starts appearing on the ground along with the fallen leaves, or is spotted at the grocer's as autumn is in swing.
So the annual Castagne Day festival is always a big deal for the Illawarra's Italian community, and this Sunday at the Fraternity Club is where the smell of roasting chestnuts will fill the air.
Anyone who has tried roasting castagne knows there is an art to it - not to mention the importance of the correct heavy-based pan.
On Sunday the roasting will be done by the experts, keen to encourage the younger generations to take on the tradition.
Market stalls, rides, other European food, entertainment from Symbio Wildlife Park's animals, and the ukulele group Swingaleles will add to the atmosphere.
Fraternity Club functions co-ordinator Frank Stanizzo said the event was always a good day of family entertainment.
Castagne Day is being celebrated at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow, from 10am-4pm on Sunday.
