Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

 

Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

By Robert Press

Sunday October 8th was the Morris Park Columbus Day Parade. It was the largest parade since 2019, with fifty different bands, schools, floats, or community organizations in the parade which began on Morris Park Avenue by White Plains Road turning north onto Williamsbridge ending at the reviewing stand just before Lydig Avenue. 

The Grand Marshal for the parade was Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, with Ms. Louise Delucia as the Deputy Grand Marshal, and Brianna Rachiele of Maria Regina High School as Miss Columbus. Elected officials on hand included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Assembly members Michael Benedetto and John Zaccaro Jr with representatives of Congressman Ritchie Torres and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez.

The streets were lined with people including Candidate for City Council Kristy Marmorato. There was a float for the Grand Marshal Assemblyman Benedetto and Deputy Grand Marshal Delucia, one for Miss Columbus, and one to celebrate Veterans. Schools included St. Catharines, Cardinal Spellman, St. Clares/St. Francis, Maria Regina High School, Preston High School, PS 108, Van Nest Academy, St. Theresa, Salesian, PS 175, St. Raymond Academy for Girls, and Scanlan High School. Community organizations included the Morris Park Community Association, Uguaglianza Lodge, Allerton Homeowners and Renters Association, Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, and the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance. After the parade there was a carnival at Loreto Park for the children.

The Morris Park Community Association community patrol cars led the parade.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark march in front of the District Attorney's banner.

With the 13th city council district having the largest concentration of Republicans in the Bronx people made their own signs. 

The Reviewing stand, (L - R ) Morris Park Community Association President Al D'Angelo (speaking), seated front row - Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Parade Grand Marshal Michael Benedetto, Parade Deputy Grand Marshal Louise Delucia, Miss Columbus Brianna Rachiele, and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.  

Cardinal Spellman High school marches up Williamsbridge Road towards the reviewing stand.

Maria Regina High School and band.

Children from City Stage Dance school perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Laborers Union Local 79 were represented.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association marched.

Happy Feet Dance School perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from PS 108 perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from the Van Nest Academy perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from Scanlan High School performed this cheerleading stunt on the street in front of the reviewing stand. 

Three Bouncy Houses were set up in Loreto Park along with games and snacks for the children.

Sponsor signs were posted on the fence of Loreto Park (L - R), Patricia's Restaurant, The Indian Village Alliance, and Patsy's Restaurant are in this photo.