19th Annual Columbus Parade and Italian Festival - October 9, 2010
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT WAS CANCELED FOR 2011.
ALBANY NY - Join us in Albany for a Columbus Day celebration of Italian culture and heritage on Saturday, October 9, 2010!
Highlights of the day include the 19th Annual Columbus Parade down Western Ave and a celebratory Italian Festival in Washington Park. Don't miss this festive celebration of Columbus Day in Albany!
Traditional Italian Procession
- The procession steps off at 12 pm and continues rain or shine!
- The Traditional Italian Procession will be led by La Banda Rossa and will take place within Washington Park.
Italian Festival
In Albany's Washington Park, an authentic Italian festival will be underway from 12 noon to 5:30 pm on October 9, 2010.
The City of Albany celebrates Italian-American Heritage Days October 9-11, 2010. Mayor Jennings proclaimed, "Italian-Americans have helped to build, shape and enrich life in Albany, while sharing their strong cultural traditions that include dedication to hard work, a commitment to fairness of all people and maintaining the importance of 'la familia,' the family unit."
Entertainment on the Main Stage:
- Music by La Banda Rossa (The Red Band) from Utica
- Performance by Anthony Gargiula,11-year-old singing sensation
- Guytonno
- Tributes to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra
- Performance by Italian America Community Center's Ballerina Dancers
- Squeeze Play Accordion Band
All Day Activities:
- Strolling Musicians
- Vendors serving pasta, gelato, cappuccino and pasries
- Zona Bambina (kids zone)
- Roman Riding Demonstrations
- Pony and bounce rides
- And, of course, there is fabulous food, music for dancing, crafts and more.
Sponsors of Albany's 19th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival include the Lia Auto Group, HSBC, Times Union, the City of Albany, Albany's Italian American Community Center, West Albany Italian Benevolent Society and Roman Intangible Lodge #215 Order of Sons of Italy in America, with the support of many businesses and community organizations in the Capital Region.
For more information about the Columbus celebration in Albany, visit www.columbusdayalbanyny.com.