Columbus Day Parade to celebrate 33rd year on 18th Avenue

Bensonhurst’s biggest parade is coming to town.

On Saturday, October 11, the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO) will host the 33^rd Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade, a yearly celebration Executive Director Nancy Sottile says the organization looks forward to every October.

“It’s a big parade,” Sottile said of the all-ages event that, this year, will include marching bands, floats, local organizations, athletic associations and then some. “We look forward to a beautiful day and a lot of participants – which we already have.”

The parade, starting at 60^th Street and 18^thAvenue, will kick off at 1 p.m. and run along the 18^thAvenue strip, concluding opposite the New Utrecht Reformed Church at 84^th Street, where the ceremonies are held.

This year’s grand marshals include Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Councilmember Vincent Gentile, Assemblymember William Colton and Regina Scire of Investors Bank. Preceding the parade will be a celebratory mass at St. Athanasius (2154 61^st Street) at 10:15 a.m. with a reception to follow in the school auditorium.

“We hope for good weather and just a great turnout,” said Sottile.

For more information on the neighborhood staple, contact FIAO at 718-259-2828.