(L. to r.): Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens (FIAOQ) President Joseph DiPietro, Parade Grand Marshal Congressmember Carolyn Maloney and Parade Chairman Jerry Iannece. Photo Walter Karling Under a clear, blue sky and temperatures that could have been ordered especially to keep marchers and spectators comfortable, the 31st annual Columbus Day parade sponsored by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens (FIAOQ) stepped off from its customary assembly point in front of the Kaufman Astoria Studios on 36th Street at 34th Avenue precisely at noon on October 9.

FIAOQ President Joseph DiPietro, Parade Chairman Jerry Iannece and FIAOQ Executive Director Angie Markham marched with Grand Marshal Carolyn Maloney and Christopher Columbus (Mike Meoni) and Queen Isabella (Theresa Meoni), accompanied by Assemblymembers Michael Gianaris and Michael DenDekker and Congressmember Joseph Crowley and, representing the Italian government in the New York metropolitan area, Deputy Consul Lucia Pasqualini. Other traditional elements of the parade were also present; including a classic Ferrari convertible owned by Ralph Curatulo and the Christ the King H. S. marching band.

(L. to r.): Queen Isabella Theresa Meoni, Christopher Columbus Mike Meoni and Deputy Consul of Italy Lucia Pasqualini. The parade route ran north on 36th Street from the studios to 35th Avenue, east on 35th Avenue to Steinway Street, north on Steinway Street to 30th Avenue, west on 30th Avenue to 33rd Street, north on 33rd Street to Astoria Boulevard, and west on Astoria Boulevard to the Columbus Triangle, where 31st Street, Astoria Boulevard and Hoyt Avenue South converge. A Color Guard from the New York City Police Department presented the flags of the United States and New York state and the Tony & Sons festival ensemble played the Italian national anthem, “L‘inno di Mameli”.

(L. to r.): Grand Marshal Congressmember Carolyn Maloney, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, Congressmember Joseph Crowley and Assemblymember Michael DenDekker. In 2007, the Columbus Triangle was renamed for Vincent Iannece, father of Jerry, Angie and Mary Dawber, who founded the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens in 1972.
Actress-singer Simona Rodano and seven-yearold Salvatore Battaglia will perform the roles of Pinocchio’s mother and Pinocchio in “Pinocchio: The Italian Musical” at Hunter College October 19 to 23.
Members of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens carry the American and Italian flags and the banner of their organization down Steinway Street.
Heading the 31st annual Columbus Day Parade, the New York City Police Department Color Guard arrives at the Columbus Triangle, at the intersection of 31st Street, Astoria Boulevard and Hoyt Avenue South.
At the reviewing stand at Columbus Triangle, the Tony & Sons festival ensemble played the Italian national anthem, “L‘inno di Mameli”. See next page Photos Walter Karling
Italian Deputy Consul Lucia Pasqualini addresses the gathering at the Columbus Triangle reviewing stand as FIAOQ President Joseph DiPietro, Parade Co-Founder Judge Anthony Gazzara (retired), 114th Police Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi and Congressmember Joseph Crowley look on.
Parade dignitaries pose after laying a wreath at the base of the statue of Christopher Columbus at the Columbus Triangle, 31st Street, Astoria Boulevard and Hoyt Avenue South.
114th Police Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Stephen Cirabisi had some brief remarks at the Parade terminus. Photos Walter Karling