2022 Columbus Day Parade Little Italy in Cleveland October 10, 2022
The Columbus Day Parade, sponsored by Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), took place in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood on Monday, Oct. 10 along Mayfield and Murray Hill roads. Hundreds of units marched - elaborate floats, marching bands, local artifacts, and city leaders - to celebrate Northeast Ohio's deeply rooted Italian American culture.
Holy Rosary Church in Cleveland's Little Italy
After Mass at Holy Rosary Church, 92.3's Anthony Lima served as MC of the Parade.
Anthony Lima
Tony introduced soprano Rachel E. Copeland who sang the Italian national anthem.
Rachel E. Copeland
Next was Russ Scarvelli who led the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
Russ Scarvelli
He then introduced ISDA National President and Greater Cleveland Columbus Day chairman Basil M. Russo who gave a few brief remarks.
Basil Russo, Anthony Lima and Russ Scarvelli
Basil Russo
Basil has said, "On Columbus Day, Italian Americans pay tribute to our ancestors, and to all walks of life, who arrived in Northeast Ohio and built better lives for their families. Many aren't aware of this, but Columbus' parades and statues were used by early Italian Americans to fuel assimilation and fight discrimination during a decades-long period of oppression. In fact, the first national Columbus Day celebration honoring Italian Americans was held in 1892 as a way to ease tensions after 11 innocent Italian immigrants were murdered in New Orleans, in front of the largest lynch mob ever to assemble on U.S. soil."
Watch a video of the opening before the Parade stepped off.
The Columbus Day Parade led off with Police and Sheriff units as well as city officials including Councilman Mike Polensek and Council President Blaine Griffin.
Councilman Mike Polensek and Council President Blaine Griffin
Honorees came next.
Phyllis Lopardo, Italian Mother of the Year
Joseph Frank, Lifetime Achievement Awardee
ISDA Ohio Vice President Marie Frank
Little Miss and Mr Columbus Day Madelyn and Lukas Mosinski
Watch a video of highlights of the Columbus Day Parade. (As usual we did not include any of the many politicians who marched.)
Enjoy these photos from the Columbus Day Parade.
Mayfield High School Marching Band
Mayfield High School Italian Club
ISDA Float
Avanti Amerita Lodge 133
Our Lady of Mt Carrmel Lodge 211
Hillcrest Victory Lodge 167
Italian Cultural Garden Foundation float
Father Rocco
Oratinese group
St. Rocco Church
North Olmsted HS Marching Band
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