32nd Bronx Columbus Day Parade

32nd Bronx Columbus Day Parade

The 2008 Bronx Columbus Day Parade, taking place on Sunday, October 12 promises to be both the biggest and best parade to ever grace Morris Park Avenue and Williamsbridge Road.

While the parade will take place from noon and 3:30 p.m., parade organizer Tony Signoreli is hoping that those who come to the parade stay for the specials that area restaurants will be offering both during and after the parade, and for a concert featuring Italian classics in Loreto Park from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Many of the restaurants along the parade route will offer brunch and lunch specials,” Signoreli said. “There will also be stands set up along the parade route with food,.”

The grand marshal of this year’s parade will be Steven Squitieri, principal owner of Sanitation Salvage. There are also two honorary marshals: Mary Vele-King, assistant principal at P.S. 108 and Jerry Longarzo, an AP at P.S. 105.

In addition, for the first time in parade history, there will be a 2008 Morris Park Miss Columbus Day Parade Queen. Crowned during the annual Columbus Parade dinner dance on Friday, October 3, 20-year-old Fordham University psychology-major Maria Moschetta will have this year’s honor in what is expected to become an annual accolade.

Moschetta received a $1,000 scholarship from the Bronx Columbus Day Parade Committee and a $10,000 scholarship from the David Anthony Pope, president of the Generosa Pope Foundation to put toward her studies.

Also honored is 49th Precinct Community Affairs officer Victor DiPierro with a Community Service Award, also a first.

Signoreli said that this year’s parade will feature a display of military vehicles, as well as Italian automobiles like Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Fiats, and Vesper motor-scooters. The Federation of Pugliesi from Queens will be representing its region of Italy.

“This is by far the biggest and longest parade we have ever had,” Signoreli stated.

“This is my second year as organizer, and six very dedicated volunteers are helping me. I have my volunteer dream team: John Capozzoli, AnnaMaria D’Onofrio, Chris Alessandro, Pino Guida, Gabriele Dacino, and Anthony Oliva.”

The parade route is from Morris Park Avenue and White Plains Road to Williamsbridge Road, and then Williamsbridge Road to Pelham Parkway South.

All cars must be off Morris Park Avenue from E. 180th Street and Williamsbridge Road and Williamsbridge Road from Morris Park Avenue to Pelham Parkway South by 9 a.m. on October 10, or they will be ticketed.