2024 Columbus Day Parade Little Italy in Cleveland October 14, 2024
The Columbus Day Parade, sponsored by Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), took place in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood on Monday, Oct. 14 along Mayfield and Murray Hill roads. A record setting number of units marched - Italian organizations, floats, marching bands, businesses, politicians and city leaders - to celebrate Northeast Ohio's deeply rooted Italian American culture.
Cleveland's Columbus Day celebrations date back to 1920 when several Italian American enclaves across the city paid homage to their heritage. After World War II, the parade unified and was held downtown before eventually moving to Little Italy in 2003. ISDA National President Basil M. Russo said, "On Columbus Day, Italian Americans pay tribute to our ancestors, and to all walks of life, who arrived in Northeast Ohio and built better lives for their families. Many aren't aware of this, but Columbus' parades and statues were used by early Italian Americans to fuel assimilation during a decades-long period of oppression. In fact, the first national Columbus Day celebration honoring Italian Americans was held in 1892 in NYC as a way to ease tensions after 11 innocent Italian immigrants were murdered in New Orleans in front of the largest lynch mob ever to assemble on U.S. soil."
This was an historic parade since for the first time in history a person not of Italian heritage was the Grand Marshal. That honor went to Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Anthony Lima, Basil Russo, Blaine Griffin and Marie Frank
After Mass, Anthony Lima from 92.3 The Fan sports radio in Cleveland served as MC from the steps of Holy Rosary Church.
MC Anthony Lima and his radio partner Ken Carman
Soprano Rachel E. Copeland from the Penn State School of Music sang the Italian national anthem.
Rachel E. Copeland
Next was Russ Scarvelli who led the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
Russ Scarvelli
Watch a video of highlights of the Columbus Day Parade. Don't miss the frenzy at the end as Orlando Baking Company tossed bags of their delicious rolls to the crowds.
Enjoy these photos from the 2024 Columbus Day Parade in Cleveland.
Cleveland Fire
County Sherrif
Councilmen Mike Polensek, Blaine Griffin and Danny Kelly
Grand Marshal Blaine Griffin
Basil M. Russo
Mayfield HS Band
Italian Mother of the Year
North Olmsted HS Band
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5 Italian Americans have been inducted so far into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. They are: Paul Sciria, Bishop Anthony Pilla, Nacy Panzica, Basil Russo and Joyce Mariani
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Benedictine HS
County Executive Chris Ronayne
Seeing the various people at the Parade added to the fun. Here are just a few.
Pamela Dorazio Dean at the Italian Museum
Councilmen Mike Polensek and Danny Kelly with Umberto Fedeli
Pam and Kenny Yuko
Future Columbus Day Parade marchers
2024 Columbus Day Parade Dignitaries including:
Russ Scarvelli, Anthony Lima, Grand Marshal Blaine Griffin, Ken Carman, Chris Ronayne, Danny Kelly, Basil Russo, Marie Frank and Mike Polensek
