A REVERENT service was followed by joy and cheer in Leeton when the annual Festa Della Madonna Immacolata was held.
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In its 51st year, weather didn't dampen this year's event even after the rain came tumbling down just as the festa was beginning on Saturday afternoon.
This year a new committee was charged with organising the event, which celebrates Mary's immaculate conception of Christ.
The community event is the main fund-raiser for the Italian Catholic Committee, which has various projects to put money towards.
Committee president Dom Amato said the festa was moved indoors at St Joseph's Catholic Church once the heavens opened.
"Despite the rain everything ran very well," Mr Amato said.
"The crowd might have been a little light on because of the rain at the service, but there was a good crowd at the 'after party' in Madonna Place.
"What we are trying to do is attract the younger generation, so the tradition can continue."
The gathering in Madonna Place was a feast for all ages, with a variety of food on offer.
The mass included a statue of the Madonna being carried down the aisles of the church.
Usually it is carried outside into Mountford Park and the congregation follows along behind.
The celebration in Leeton goes back to the mid 1950s, when Fr Beltrame was appointed to the parish.
He was approached by members of the Italian community who expressed interest in the commissioning of a replica of a statue of the Madonna.
Fast forward more than 50 years and funds raised at the festa go towards many different projects at the church.
Mr Amato said the committee may change the event slightly next year.
"There's some things we can improve on, so we'll look at that and maybe do it a bit differently if we need to," he said.
"We want the tradition to continue."
