More than 2,500 marchers are expected in Hamden on Sunday when the Greater New Haven Columbus Day parade steps off from Hamden High School, 2040 Dixwell Ave., at 1 p.m. The five living Italian-American mayors have been chosen as grand marshals. They are John L. Carusone, Lucien DiMeo, Peter F. Villano, Barbara DeNicola and Carl Amento.
As you may know, the parade was held in New Haven for many years and since 2003, it's been rotating to the metro area towns. This year is Hamden's turn. Next year, it's West Haven. Last year was East Haven.
In any case, a great group of folks are working on the parade, and the general chairmen in Hamden are Art Giulietti, Laura Luzzi and Peter Gambaradella. The logistics guy-parade coordinator is Tom Conway. All are working under the Greater New Haven Columbus Day Committee, which also is having a big dinner Friday night at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven and a wreath ceremony Saturday at 11 a.m. in Wooster Square in New Haven.
The parade runs for a mile and a quarter and ends in the Miller Library parking lot, 2901 Dixwell Ave. The reviewing stand is opposite the Hamden Government Center at the corner of Dixwell and Evergreen avenues.
There are five divisions in the parade with all kinds of marching bands and representation from many clubs and organizations. Parade committee member Bill Zampa of East Haven tells me it's a great family activity. They're having those Shriner mini-cars and Santa Claus!