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MAYOR HARP, CITY DEPARTMENTS EAGER TO HOST COLUMBUS DAY PARADE, RELATED EVENTS

New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp said today that as the city prepares to take its once-every-six-years turn hosting the Columbus Day Parade city residents will have ample opportunity to enjoy both the parade and related events.

The parade steps off from City Hall – 165 Church Street – at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7, and makes its way along Chapel Street to St. Michael’s Church on Wooster Square. Afterward, the public is invited to attend an Italian Festival to be held in Wooster Square Park.

“I’m so pleased New Haven will once again host the Columbus Day Parade – since we’re part of a six-town rotation this’ll be the first one of these parades in New Haven in the time I’ve been in office,” Mayor Harp said. “I’m particularly eager to congratulate its co-grand marshals, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Enrico Diamantini, and Alphonse Paolillo.”

“It’s also worth noting the Columbus Day Committee privately raised all the funds necessary to cover the costs associated with hosting the parade, and we thank its members for that,” Mayor Harp added.

Organizers say this year’s parade will include groups representing New Haven Public Schools, and it’ll feature family entertainment and cultural offerings.

Columbus Day-related events are scheduled to begin this weekend already, as follows. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

• Wooster Square walking tour September 22^nd at 1:00 p.m. – meet at the Christopher Columbus monument on Wooster Square along Chapel Street.
• Cultural Event September 27^th: Le Feste Italiane, presented by Deacon Dominic Corraro. The presentation will review holidays on the Italian calendar and focus on how Italians celebrate them. St. Bernadette Church Hall – 385 Townsend Avenue – from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Heritage dinner October 3^rd to honor co-grand marshals: $55 per person to help underwrite parade costs. Anthony’s Ocean View – 450 Lighthouse Road – at 6:00 p.m.
• Film screening October 4^th: The Village: Life in New Haven’s Little Italy. The film tells the story of the city’s Wooster Square neighborhood. St. Michael’s Church – Wooster Square – at 6:30 p.m.
• Wreath-laying ceremony October 6^th at St. Michael’s Church – Wooster Square – from 11:00 a.m. until noon.
• Columbus Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. October 7^th from City Hall – 165 Church Street – and ends at Wooster Square, where an Italian festival will follow.

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