With the 127th Annual Italian Picnic and Parade coming up this weekend, many may wonder a little about the Italian Benevolent Society, or IBS. The “Societa de Unione e Beneficenza Italiana” was formed in 1881 with 33 charter members, all of Italian ancestry, and was stationed in Amador City.  The purpose of the society was to provide aid to sick Italian-Americans who could not work, and to provide proper burials for deceased members when their families could not. That year, a private picnic was held by the society, and the annual Italian Picnic was born. In 1897, the picnic moved to the Fuller Brothers’ Grove between Jackson and Sutter Creek, and in 1912, to its present location on Highway 49 in Martell. 

In 1981, the IBS celebrated its centennial anniversary, which was recognized by then President Ronald Reagan in a personal letter where he thanked the society for its contribution to “the propagation of Italian culture here in America.” Over the years, the society has made numerous improvements to the grounds, including planting over 100 trees just last year, according to society member Rick Wagstaff.  More renovation plans are in the works, including expanding the current dining hall, and the society will break ground after this weekend’s picnic. Since 1881, the picnic has grown from a gathering of friends to a full three-day weekend of fun events, including a carnival, rodeo, music, dancing, and great food.  This year’s event starts this Friday, May 30th at 5 PM and also features bingo, a bocce ball tournament, Italian food, Tri-tip BBQ, rock and roll music Friday and Saturday nights, and the traditional parade on Sunday, June 1st in Sutter Creek.  For more information, visit the society’s website at www.italiansociety.net and click on “Picnic Information.”