Bronx Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

 

The Bronx Morris Park Columbus Day Parade took place on Sunday October 9, 2022. Several floats, many marching bands, multiple community organizations, and local elected officials took part in the Columbus Day Parade through Morris Park. The parade was led by the NYPD and Morris Park Community Association Community Patrol cars making a stop at Loreto Park where debris still blocks the parking lane on Morris Park Avenue on its way to the reviewing stand. 

Congratulations to all who were on the Morris Park Community Association Columbus Day Parade Committee chaired by Ms. Phyllis 'Tiz Nastasio. The two Grand Marshals of the parade were Retired Judge Nick Locovetta who retired from the New York State Supreme Court in 2021. Ray Vitiello who was born and raised in the Bronx, became a teacher at St. Raymonds High School for Boys. From there Ray became the Principal at St. Benedict school and currently serve as the Regional Superintendent of the Northeast/East Bronx Region of the Archdiocese. 

     

Mr. Yahay Obeid Vice-Chair of the MPCA and Chair of Community Board 11 start the parade.

The Grand Marshals float travels across Morris Park Avenue.

The parade paused for a minute by Loreto Park for everyone to catch up, and look at the debris still in the street from the many year reconstruction of the park. Parade Committee Chair Phyllis 'Tiz' Nastacio stands between CB 11 Chair Yahay Obeid and Vice Chair Al D'Angelo. 

Bronx Borough president Vanesa Gibson and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez marched with the Morris Park BID for a while after the parade turned onto Willamsbridge Road on the way to the Reviewing stand.

The reviewing stand, (L - R) MPCA President Al D'Angelo, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, sitting, Congressman and New York State candidate for governor Lee Zeldin, Sitting down candidate for NY Attorney General Michael Henry, candidate for U.S. Senate Joe Pinton, Grand Marshal Judge Nick Locavetta, Grand Marshal Ray Vitello, Behind him is Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Jacobi Hospital representative John Doyle, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. 

Schools included St.Clare's, St. Theresa, Maria Regina High School, St. Francis Xavier, St Catharine, St. Raymond, Preston High School, Cardinal Spellman, PS 83, and PS 108.

Community groups included the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, The Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance, and the Triborough Cadillac Club.

The growing Yemeni Community in Morris Park had one of the floats as well as the Bronx GOP.

Children were allowed to ride in the Fire Truck that was in the parade. 

All were  kept safe by the police officers on hand from the 49th Precinct and other Bronx precincts. Here the Transit police brought one of the K-9 officers for extra protection. The dogs badge is around its neck.