Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

 

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon as the Morris Park Columbus Day Parade, the second largest in New York City began and finished over two hours later. The parade route went across Morris Park Avenue turning north onto Williamsbridge Road where the reviewing stand was before the corner of Lydig Avenue and one block south of Pelham Parkway.

Crowds gathered on both sides of the street to watch the thirteen schools, eight marching bands, fifteen local community organizations clubs or businesses, several floats, stilt walker, the NYPD and FDNY, and elected officials who participated in the parade. As usual the elected officials all were Italian that day with the exception of Italian Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and Italian Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato who introduced her Father in Law Pietro Marmorato who came to this country as an Italian Immigrant. "This is the greatest country in the world," He said.

The Grand Marshal of the Morris Park Columbus Day Parade was Anthony Mormile, with the Honorary Grand Marshal Anthony Morante. Miss Columbus was Victoria Franciamore of Spellman High School, and Junior Miss Columbus was Maria McNervey of St. Theresa School. After the parade there was a carnival in Loreto Park. 

Introduced at the pre parade event Friday night (L - R) Honorary Grand Marshal Anthony Morante, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Miss Columbus Victoria Franciamore, Junior Miss Columbus Maria McNervey, Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Grand Marshal Anthony Mormile.

(L - R) Miss Columbus Victoria Franciamore, Junior Miss Columbus Maria McNervey, Honorary Grand Marshal Anthony Morante, Grand Marshal Anthony Mormile, Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson, Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Assemblyman John Zaccaro, Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, Captain Theathong of the 49th Precinct, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Councilman Rafael Salamanca are in the back row with Joe McManus representing Congressman Ritchie Torres. Al D'Angelo, President of the Morris Park Community Association, is standing.

The highlight of the parade was the introduction of Pietro Marmorato by his daughter in law Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, an Italian immigrant who came to this country. "This is the greatest country in the world", he said. 

Students from PS 108  performed.

Students from St. Raymond's Academy performed.

Children enrolled at City Stage on Morris Park Avenue performed. 

Preston High School was represented. 

St. Clare of Assisi - St. Francis Xavier School.

Cardinal Spellman High School.

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association was represented as President Steven Glosser waves. 

Laborers Local 79 were represented.

The fire engine used for parades was all decked out for Columbus Day.