Rain and cold winds didn't stop the people from flocking to Little Italy to cheer on the 57th annual Columbus Day parade. The day started with 10:00 Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
![Holy Rosary Pastor Phillip Racco](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/father-phil-racco.jpg)
Holy Rosary Pastor Phillip Racco Emcee Michael Settoni welcomed the crowd and introduced the marching bands, politicians, dignitaries and various Italian businesses and clubs. ![Italian-American Sons and Daughters](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/italian-sons-daughters.jpg)
This year's Grand Marshall was ex-Cleveland Browns coach, Sam Rutigliano.
Grand Marshall Sam Rutigliano
There were over 100 units and 10 marching bands. The parade is sponsored by Northeastern Ohio Italian American Foundation and the Order of Italian Sons and Daughters of America and has become a not-to-be-missed attraction. ![Cleveland Columbus Day Parade 2009](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/columbus-day-parade-sign.jpg)
![Honorary Italian Consul Serena Scaiola and Consul Emeritus Biagio Parente](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/serena-scaiola-biagio-paren.jpg)
Honorary Italian Consul Serena Scaiola and Consul Emeritus Biagio Parente
A little rain couldn't stop the fun
![Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Basil Russo](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/frank-jackson-basil-russo.jpg)
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Basil Russo
![Italian American Cultural Federation](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/italian-cultural.jpg)
Italian American Cultural Federation
![Italian ladies watch parade in rain](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/italian-parade-ladies.jpg)
Rain? What rain?
![Italia e i Suoi Paesi](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/italia-suoi-paesi.jpg)
Italia e i Suoi Paesi
![Kids march in Columbus Day Parade Cleveland](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/kids-parade.jpg)
No school today!
![Knights of Columbus](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/knights-columbus.jpg)
Knights of Columbus
![Mayfield High School Italian Club](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/mayfield-high-school.jpg)
Mayfield High School Italian Club
Paul Sciria
![Father Racco and Basil Russo](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/phil-racco-basil-russo.jpg)
Father Racco and Basil Russo
![Coach Sam Rutigliano - Grand Marshall](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/sam-rutigliano-parade.jpg)
Coach Sam Rutigliano - Grand Marshall
Umberto Fedeli
![Southwest Italian American Club](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/southwest-iac.jpg)
Southwest Italian American Club
Touch of Italy
![Touch of Italy](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/touch-italy-2.jpg)
![Cleveland City Council members Matt Zone, Mamie Mitchell and Mike Polensek](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/zone-mitchell-polensek.jpg)
Cleveland City Council members Matt Zone, Mamie Mitchell and Mike Polensek
Basil Russo
![Judge Bridget McCafferty](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/bridget-mccaferty.jpg)
Judge Bridget McCafferty
![Italian Cultural Garden Federation](http://www.clevelandpeople.com/images/italian/columbus-day-2009/italian-cultural-garden.jpg)
Italian Cultural Garden Federation
Little Italy Retirees
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