Columbus Day Parade Dinner/Dance celebrated 33rd annual parade

With the parade approaching this Sunday and all plans finalized, members of the Morris Park Community Association and Columbus Parade Committee celebrated the 33rd annual parade at the Columbus Day Parade Dinner Dance.

After months of planning and preparation, the parade it set and ready to go.As has become tradition, members of the MPCA celebrated this accomplishment with over 250 guests and community members at Maestro’s Caterers on Friday, October 2.

During the party the parade committee honored the grand marshal, John F. Calvelli, and the honorary grand marshal, Loretta Mangieri, who will be leading thousands of parade marchers through Morris Park.

For the second year the parade committee presented a ‘Citizen Community Award.’This year the recipient was Miguel Garcia of Big Deal Supermarket.

“This is a merchant who has made great contributions, not only to the parade, but to local little leagues, schools, and the community,” said Tony Signorile, parade coordinator.

The chairman of the NYC Columbus Day Parade Committee, Alfred Gatalarotto, also made a special appearance to show his support for the honorees and the parade.

“The parade committee did an excellent job and everyone had an enjoyable time at the dinner dance and is looking forward to the parade,” said Al D’Angelo, president of the MPCA.“We need to thank the elected officials for donating to the parade and all the merchants and community members who gave also.”

The parade will take place on Sunday, October 11.Over 14 bands have signed up and Signorile has some special surprises up his sleeve, including a band that will be marching and playing instruments while on stilts.

Signorile recently announced the restaurants that will be doing lunch specials throughout the day of the parade.These include Patricia’s of Tremont, 3883 E. Tremont Avenue, Pasta Pasta, 2023 Williamsbridge Road, Captain’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, 1056 Morris Park Avenue, and Doyle’s Pub, 1024 Morris Park Avenue.

A concert in Loreto Park with entertainment by Le Grand Entertainment will be held after the parade from 5:30. to 9 p.m.All are invited to attend.