Oct 9, 2015 2 min read brooklyn columbus day parade

Everything You Need To Know About The Columbus Day Parade This Saturday

Get your flags ready, because this weekend is Bensonhurst’s Columbus Day Parade.

The annual celebration, organized by the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO), draws neighbors of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to 18th Avenue, to wave the Italian flag and acknowledge the many contributions Italian Americans have brought to the neighborhood and city. Nearly every local school and parish participates in the parade, and it’s an incredible sight to behold. Check out our photos from past events here and here.

This year, the parade is slated for Saturday, October 10, kicking off at 1pm at the corner of 18th Avenue and 61st Street.

The Grand Marshals

Courtesy of Councilman Vincent Gentile's Office/Facebook — Courtesy of Councilman Vincent Gentile’s Office/Facebook

FIAO announced this year’s Grand Marshals to host the parade at its annual fundraising brunch at Dyker Beach Golf Course on October 4. The following were selected for the honor based on their contributions to Bensonhurst and the wider New York City community:

Justice Patricia M. DiMango, the star of CBS’ Hot Bench, was first Italian American woman to be elected to the New York State Supreme Court’s 2nd and 11th District. She is one of the three judges on the CBS court show, which was created by Judge Judy Sheindlin and debuted in September 2014.

Cavaliere Joseph Bova is the Democratic District Leader at the 49th Assembly District. He has been an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for 37 years, and is active in numerous parish organizations. He has also served as chairman of Community Board 10.

Biagio Madaio, vice president of business development at Investors Bank, was instrumental in expanding the financial organization across the New York region. Thanks in part to Madaio’s 35-year tenure at the company, Investors Bank now has 130 office, 28 of them in New York. He is an active FIAO board member, and is involved with several other local non-profits.

The Schedule

Here is a rundown of Saturday’s events:

10:15am – Celebratory mass at Saint Athanasius Roman Catholic Church (2154 61st Street) with celebrant Monsignor David Cassato.

11:30am – Reception in Saint Athanasius School’s auditorium (6120 Bay Parkway).

12pm – Parade line-up at P.S. 48 Mapleton (6015 18th Avenue, near 61st Street).

1:30pm – Presentation of musical bands and parade groups. Reviewing stand.

See you at the parade!