Parade commemorates city?s diversity, history

The parade, which marches from Mount Vernon Place down Charles Street to Fleet Street and Central Avenue, is the nation?s oldest and longest continuous celebration for the holiday, with the first parade in Baltimore taking place in 1890.

The celebration will feature a float competition, complete with antique cars, high school bands, jugglers, clowns, stilt walkers and more. Mick O?Shea?s Irish Restaurant on Charles Street will offer live music and Italian food at the conclusion of the parade.

Don Castronova of Baltimore will be presented with the 2006 Columbus Celebrations award for his contributions to the parade. He has portrayed Christopher Columbus for the past 37 years.

“Our annual Columbus Day parade has gone on for some 100-plus years,” parade chairman Vince Piscopo said, adding that the Italian festival, held in September helps fund the parade?s festivities.

Jazz legend Chuck Mangione is excited to be the grand marshal of the parade, because it?s his “first time as a grand marshal of anyplace.”

Afterward, Mangione will perform at Della Notte in Little Italy at 6 p.m.

“We?ll pack as much Chuck music in the time that we?re allowed to play,” Mangione said, adding that folks can expect classics like “Feels So Good” and “Children of Sanchez,” as well as some new tunes. Even though the trumpet player will be traveling through the night to get from his Saturday show in Illinois to Baltimore, he says he will still bring a great show. “I always find the energy for a performance because the crowd loves the music and gives so much back while I?m performing.”

“Baltimore is truly an ethnically diverse city,” Piscopo said. “[The parade] is a chance to turn off the TV, go outside, enjoy your neighbors and share the community.”

116th Columbus Day Parade

» West Mount Vernon Place and Charles Street, Baltimore

» Time: Oct. 8, parade begins at 2 p.m.

» Cost: Free; concert is $5

» More info: www.columbuscelebrations.com

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