The Italian American community of Chicago has been proudly celebrating Columbus Day since 1952. The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans invites everyone to join them in celebrating this 72nd year on October 14th, beginning with mass at 8am at the Shrine of our Lady of Pompeii in Chicago. Immediately afterwards, a procession will lead to Arrigo Park for a wreath-laying ceremony. The parade will begin at 11:45 on the corner of State Street and Wacker Drive and proceed south to Van Buren Street.
Visit the JCCIA website for more details regarding transportation, events and sponsorship. A detailed schedule of the Columbus Day weekend events can be found below courtesy of the JCCIA.
Special guests include singer and songwriter Paul Anka who will be performing a customized song tailored to the event based on the music of Sinatra’s “My Way”. Anka actually wrote the original music for Frank Sinatra’s signature hit “My Way,” as well as songs for Tom Jones, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson among others. Viewers can watch the parade live on ABC7 and also live-stream on abc7chicago.com.
The 2024 Parade Chairman is Scott Harris, a well-known national chef and restauranteur with over 25 top restaurants in the Chicagoland area including his flagship concept, Francesca’s. Harris has won numerous awards and continues to share his culinary style of simple, quality foods with sophisticated flavors, expanding to more cities, opening trattorias, taquerias and wine bars.
JCCIA President Ron Onesti had an amazing conversation with Hardcore Italians Mike Carioscia regarding the Columbus Day Parade and the many issues affecting it. Listen to the entire podcast here and let us know what you think!
Works Cited:
- Images [Joint Civic Committee Of Italian Americans]
