Little Italy Hosts Annual Columbus Day Parade

CLEVELAND — It was a beautiful fall day as thousands gathered for the 60th annual Columbus Day Parade in Cleveland’s Little Italy.

People lined the streets of Little Italy to watch the high school bands, floats and parade marchers coming down Mayfield Road. Many who came to the parade arrived early so they could get a prime spot for their lawn chairs to be in place to enjoy the festivities.

“My boys Dominck and Anthony will be marching in the parade for Benedictine High School the Italian Heritage Club,” says Denice DiPio of Willowick.

Back in 2003 the parade was moved from downtown Cleveland to Little Italy, and the parade’s honorary “Father of the Year” says he’s responsible.

“I moved the parade up here many years ago. I was instrumental in bringing the parade to Little Italy because I said it belonged here,” says Dominic Sidari of Cleveland

With any Columbus Day Parade in Little Italy, there’s always going to be some great traditional foods to enjoy.

“On the menu today we have sausage sandwiches,” says Walter Camino of Angelo’s Restaurant, and Lisa Engel of Twinsburg had her favorite.

“I’m eating a sausage spinach sandwich stromboli recommended by my husband and it’s fabulous,” she said.

Some parade goers say no matter where you’re from, on Columbus Day everyone is part “Italiano”.