08/16/2007

Columbus Day Parade events abound

Angela Carter , Register Staff

NEW HAVEN — The Columbus Day Parade is returning to New Haven with lots of fanfare this year, and everyone can join the fun Saturday as the Italian-American band Emozione takes the stage at Wooster Square Park. Pronounced Ah-mo-zee-o-ni, the band's name means "emotions" in English. The performance begins at 7 p.m. and there is no admission charge. Be on the lookout for other treats as well: espresso, gelato, pastries and other foods. Concert Co-chairman Tony Tata, also a singer, recommended bringing blankets and chairs. Beginning with a kickoff in June at Anthony's Oceanview Restaurant, the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven planned a series of events leading up to the Oct. 7 parade. The procession steps off at 1 p.m. at Derby Avenue and Chapel Street. It will continue down Chapel past the Columbus statue in Wooster Square Park and end near the Conte-West Hills School. "We expect to have over 100 marching units, many bands and Italian-American organizations in the line of march," said Edward Flynn Jr., a general chairman of the Columbus Day Committee and retired battalion chief from the New Haven Fire Department. The parade was last held in New Haven in 2001 and has rotated among North Haven, Hamden, East Haven and West Haven since then. "We're excited about this. This is a great celebration for everyone, especially Italian-Americans. They came here in the 1800s, worked in trades and did a lot to build New Haven," Flynn said. The Knights of Columbus, which was formed in New Haven in 1882, contributed $15,000 to the annual celebration as the title sponsor of the parade. "It's their 125th anniversary and they will have a contingent of fourth-degree knights marching in this parade. They'll be coming from all around the state. It's going to be pretty impressive," Flynn said. Coming up next month, an Historic Wooster Square Walking Tour starts off from the Columbus statue at 1 p.m. Sept. 8. An Italian cultural night also will take place in September. Event details that will be released at a later date. Other events will include the Columbus Heritage Dinner on at 6 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Anthony's Oceanview Restaurant and a wreath ceremony at 11 a.m. on Oct. 6 that will commence at St. Michael's Church and proceed to the Columbus statue. For more information about the concert, call Tata at (203) 641-5248 or Co-chairman Nick Casella at (203) 605-3670. Angela Carter can be reached at 789-5614 or acarter@nhregister.com .

©New Haven Register 2007