27155957
The sounds of a marching band could be heard from the depths of the Ellsworth-Federal subway station and, with the clear blue skies above, there was no indication of trouble leading up to this moment.
The Columbus Day Parade Oct. 12, which featured Mummer String Bands, marchers and dancers from local schools, Boy Scouts, Italian-made cars and performers, was in jeopardy of not making its 51st year, but the local Italian-American community united to keep the tradition intact.
Organized primarily by the Sons of Italy under the nonprofit Columbus Day Committee, the parade, and its accompanying Italian-American Festival at Marconi Plaza, accommodated the roughly 12,000 spectators, its largest audience to-date and up from last year’s 8,000, Sons of Italy in America Executive Director Gregory Pasquale Ciminera said.
"We had to scale back on the activities, advertisements and promotions, but overall it was a great procession for the Italian-American community," Cinimera said Tuesday.
viewNode("5bece179e845a", {"width":480,"height":383});
Starting at Reed Street, the annual event was greeted by an avid audience as it proceeded down Broad Street. Along the route, onlookers showed their Italian pride or which presidential candidate they’d like to see in White House. John McCain supporters passed out green, red and white balloons, while Barack Obama boosters encouraged others to wear stickers that said "si possiamo." Spectators brought out folding chairs, including residents Vince and Terese Siciliano. The husband and wife have been coming to the parade for 20 years, and agreed their favorite part is the string bands. Hearing of a cancellation last month, the result of a paperwork glitch that left the event minus $40,000 in grants that was ultimately made up by donations from residents and businesses, Siciliano said he was upset since they look forward to it every year.
"It is too much of a tradition to be canceled," he said.
Resident Grace Abbonizio, who has been a regular since the festival moved to Broad, found out the day-of it was once slated to be canceled.
"It should be funded [by the city]. It’s a people’s parade and the city should give back something," Abbonizio said.
All involved, including performers and helpers, were just happy it took place. Miss Philadelphia, Brintha Vasagar from Hatfield, rode in the parade, noting, "I like that so many people in the community come out and are so dedicated to the parade. It is such a South Philly pastime."
Parade marshal Bridget Cowgill of Southwest made sure the route stayed in motion by ushering each performer along at the right time. In her sixth year helping out, she was in charge of the length of Shunk Street and Oregon Avenue.
"A lot of people really enjoy the parade and my whole family helps out each year," she said.
Culminating at Marconi Plaza, the Italian-American Festival was the end result with lasagna, cannelloni and other goodies gracing the tables at the booths of 25 vendors. Live music and dancing added to the atmosphere.
Next year, Ciminera plans on organizing earlier — and keeping the community involved.
"It is a celebration for us by us following the concept of ‘la familia,’" he said, "and it is important to have us participate on all levels."
