Columbus Day is Monday, October 8th and many clubs and organizations are holding their annual tributes to the Great Navigator, Christopher Columbus. The following are some of the area’s events to attend with your families over this holiday weekend.
MARYLAND
St. Michaels – The 9th Annual Columbus Day Celebration will be held on October 13th from noon to 5pm at 104 Railroad Avenue, sponsored by Simpatico, Italy’s Finest. This wine and food tasting features over 70 wines, Limoncello, Prosecco and Bellinis, paired with Italian food and other Italian spirits. Throughout the day, there will be live Italian music, Artisan Cheese tastings, Italian Trivia, games, prizes and an appearance by the Great Navigator himself! Cost is $30 per person, with a 10% discount for veterans and kids are free. For more info call 410-745-0345 or visit [email protected].
NEW JERSEY
Atlantic City – Columbus Day Weekend and Comedy Festival on Saturday, October 6th at Boardwalk Hall.
Jersey City – Saturday, October 6th, Columbus Day Parade. 1pm starting at 6th and Newark, goes east to Grove St and ends at City Hall with a street fair.
Nutley – Belleville – Sunday, October 7th at noon. The annual Columbus Day Parade starts at Franklin Avenue at the Oval in Nutley. This is one of the largest celebrations in northern New Jersey. Pasquale Meola, president of the Federation of Italian American Societies of NJ announced the Italian Carabinieri from Avellino, Naples, Rome and surrounding towns will be participating. They will join the many marching bands, floats and organizations marching in honor of Columbus. The day starts with a flag raising ceremony at 8:30am at Belleville Town Hall.
Sea Isle City – The annual Italian American Festival and Columbus Day Parade kicks off on Saturday, October 6th, 10am to dusk in front of the Italian American Club on JFK Boulevard. Parade starts at 2pm and ventures down Landis Avenue to 63rd Street, where the festival will be happening.
Smithville – The Knights of Columbus Villa Maria Council #6342 will host their 8th Italian Festival on September 29 from 10am to 5pm (rain date September 30) in the historic town of Smithville. The Village Green will be jumping with live music provided by Jim Craine and his Atlantic City All Star Band playing your favorite Italian music; delicious Italian food and desserts; a wine tasting; beer garden; folk dancing and children’s activities. Also included will be a vendor’s market with hand-crafted items and imported Italian specialties; a Super 50/50 and a bocce ball tournament. Please support this day. Visit www.kofcitalianfest.org for more information.
NEW YORK
Bronx – October 12, Bronx Borough President’s Annual Italian Heritage Celebration, 6pm. Open and free to public. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr presiding. Call 718-590-3989 for location.
Brooklyn – Columbus Day Parade, October 6, 18th Avenue and 61st Street, up to Benson Avenue, starts at noon. Sponsored by the FIAO, Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn. A pre-parade Mass celebrated at 10:15am at St. Athanasius Church.
Manhattan – October 8th, the Columbus Citizens Foundation start the holiday at a Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Fifth Avenue at 9:30am, followed by the 74th Annual Parade at 11:30am. Grand Marshal is Guy Chiarello. Broadcast live from noon to 3pm on WABC-TV.
Queens – Saluting outstanding Italian Americans, coordinated by Queens-based committee and sponsored by St. John’s University and Queens IHCC-NY, Inc. Open to the public, $5 donation. Held at St. John’s University, Marillac Hall, 8000 Utopia Parkway.
Staten Island – October 5-7, Italian Festival at The Mount, 6581 Hyland Boulevard. Features rides, games, food, contests, cultural centers, live music and more. Sponsored by the Catholic Charities of Staten Island, Borough President James Oddo and the Nictora Group. Admission is free.
Westchester – October 1st, Westchester County Board of Legislators Proclamation ceremony at 5:30pm, recognizing outstanding students and teachers of Italian language. In the Legislative Chambers, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains.
PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh – Italian Heritage Day will be held October 7th at the Senator john Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, from 10am to 3pm. The day will offer fun, interactive activities for families to learn about Italian American history and culture and to celebrate your heritage. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org for more info.
