Views from Bensonhurst’s Columbus Parade [PHOTOS]

BENSONHURST – While the Columbus Day Parade may have much of Midtown Manhattan blocked off today, Brooklynites celebrated their Italian heritage with a Columbus Parade of their own on Saturday, October 7.

The event kicked off around noon on the hot, sunny day, with classic cars parked on view in front of P.S. 48. Car club member relaxed by their rides while onlookers snapped pictures, milling around amid politicians, Knights of Columbus and neighborhood residents waiting for the parade to start.

Down the side streets, the high school marching bands warmed up with trills and scales, while dancers from a Chinese community troupe limbered up, hefting their giant dragon heads in preparation for their parade.

Finally, near 1:00, the politicians lined up, the bands launched into song and the engines revved, with the procession headed down 18th Ave as onlookers waved tricolor Italian flags and cheered on their friends and neighbors in the parade.

Check out some photographs from the day below: