Columbus Parade Events

Columbus festivities:

Rain or Shine, the 103rd ANNUAL BRIDGEPORT COLUMBUS DAY PARADE sponsored by the Council of Italian-American Societies of Greater Bridgeport, Inc., will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Starting at 1:00 P.M. at the corner of Wayne Street and Jewett Avenue, the parade will head south onto Madison Avenue where it will end at Beers Street at the entrance to the parking lot of Central High School. This year’s reviewing stand will be located one block before the end of the parade at Micalizzi’s Italian Ices, 712 Madison Avenue.

This year’s parade kicks off with Grand Marshall, Joseph Ambrosini, Business Manager of Local 665, Laborers’ International Union of North America, and is dedicated to the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and the tragic loss of human life as well as, emergency response personnel, the soldiers of Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and their families and friends who have endured much grief and loss over the past decade.

Grand Marshall Ambrosini stated, “many new attractions and local personalities will be featured in this year’s parade, including Tony Reno, WICC 60 morning radio personality and host of the “Italian House Party,” the 1st Company Governor’s Horse Guard, Avon, Connecticut, the 2d U.S. Marine Division Band, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Frank Carroll, 2012 Barnum Festival Ringmaster, local high school bands, the Park City Pride Combined Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band, fife and drum corps, clowns from the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, classic cars, floats, large helium filled character balloons, the Pyramid Shriners mini cycles, area dignitaries, including Mayor Bill Finch, area police and fire departments and much more.”

To celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the Italian people, a free pre-parade show at the reviewing stand will run from 11:30 – 12:45. The public will be treated to operatic and favorite Italian musical selections and the American and Italian Flag raising. Food and pastries from area Italian restaurants and bakeries will be available.

In addition to the annual parade, The 2d Marine Division Band “Musical Ambassadors” for the Corps will perform TWO FREE CONCERTS on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8 at the Klein Memorial, 910 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport at 7:00 P.M. for each concert. Doors will open both evenings at 6:00 P.M.

Spanning the continental United States, the musicians of the 2d Marine Division Band entertain audiences at more than two-hundred and twenty-five performances each year. Patriotic favorites, familiar marches, traditional classics, big band sounds, jazz, country and popular contemporary music are on tap for this year’s performances in Bridgeport.

FREE CONCERTS INFORMATION

2d Marine Division Band
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
“Musical Ambassadors for the Corps”

DATES: Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2011 – Two free concerts starting at 7:00 P.M. for each evening (doors open at 6:00 P.M. each evening)

PLACE: Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

COST: FREE. TICKETS REQUIRED – Pick up tickets at Lupe’s Drug Store, 3129 Main Street, Bridgeport – Ticket information (203) 374-0600.

SPECIAL REQUEST:
We are asking that all concert goers (for both concerts) bring non-perishable food items with them to the Klein. The collected items will be distributed by the Office of Veteran Affairs for the City of Bridgeport to those veterans in need. Last year, 2 tons of food was collected and distributed.

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9 comments

    1. Enough with blaming Caruso. Not everyone thinks and feels the way you do, you are obviously in the minority. Your ideas and comments are childish. People have had enough of the “sky is falling” mentality and negative comments. You have not produced any evidence of factual corruption. It is time you take your blinders off and see the positive happenings in the city. And to all who have been complaining for years about this city, just move away and take your negativity with you. I really think you’re not happy unless you’re miserable.

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      1. The primary is over. Finch won as did all of Line A. After all, drivers told voters needing a ride more than once, Line B was the Republican Line. Imagine the surprise on some when they were advised they’re all Democrats.
        Forget “corruption” along with Chris Caruso who used it too much for some folks. But factually, when the public does not get timely financial reports as the City Charter calls for, when the Council does not get requested info in a timely and comprehensive manner, and when you (assuming you are a taxpayer) have only one chance annually to address financial matters specific to the Council are we seeing open, accountable, and transparent governance. And when your future tax bill is larger than it need have been because of “slush fund” budgeting, what is your answer? You had none before the primary, so I am waiting to hear your splendid fiscal solution before the election. Let’s hear your answer. Let’s see whether Bill Finch agrees. OK?
        And when taxes go up, the miserable will have lots of company. How’s that for negativity?

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      2. bporteye,
        I do not think anyone is blaming Caruso and you cannot equate Caruso as an anti-Finch sentiment. I think it is clear Caruso will have a very very very very difficult time finding a volunteer to help him in any future endeavor. I do not think that has anything to do with Finch at all. I know exactly what Ronin is talking about. Caruso is best to have a low profile these days. People are disgusted by him. Like any politician or recording artist you are only as good as your last big hit and Caruso hasn’t had one. The last profile done on him in the Connecticut Post was anything but flattering. He let his constituents down and all of Caruso’s supporters who supported Mary-Jane Foster. They are the ones that felt let down. I supported Finch in the last election as did Foster. He has to explain himself to others. He sure knows how to ask others for support but when he is asked he is silent. He can explain it to them. I do not think he is in any way to blame for Foster’s loss. She was a political neophyte with little name recognition going against a machine as well as attempting to unseat an incumbent, that has never happened in the history of Bridgeport. Foster has positioned herself perfectly for another run in four years. As for Caruso, sadly, that ship has sailed. As for Finch he has four years to become the great mayor he imagines himself to be and hopefully, will be able to have a list of his own accomplishments to brag about! I hope he does. If he fails, we all do. I am hoping he succeeds. Would hate to have four miserable years as a disgruntled Bridgeport resident.

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