Columbus Day Parade to march down 18th Avenue

October 7, 2013 Jaime DeJesus

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo

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On Saturday, October 12, the Federation of Italian American Organization (FIAO) will march in the 32nd Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade.

People of all ages are welcome to join the ceremony which will include marching bands, floats and activities. Attending the parade will be local organizations, schools and athletic leagues. This year, a guest band from Rome will join in the fun.

The Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are Father Michael Gelfant, pastor of St. Finbar’s Church; Luigi Rosabianca, a local attorney; Josephine Sportella-Guisto, principal of P.S. 682 and Lenny Tilman of Lenco Lab.

Before the parade, Monsignor David Cassato will preside over a celebratory mass at St. Athanasius, on 61st Street and Bay Parkway. The parade will kick off promptly at 1 p.m., led by the Theodore Roosevelt JROTC.

Last year, the festivities were shared with Staten Island. Their parade was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. When confronted with the dilemma, the FIAO welcomed them to join the festivities. Over 1,200 people attended the parade, an impressive feat confirming that the tradition is here to stay.

The parade will start at 60th Street and 18th Avenue at 1 p.m. For more information on the event, call 718-259-2828.