Where Downtown meets the South End, across from the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, an area of the city undergoing revival, rejuvenation was in the air at Brewport, known for its homemade suds and tasty slices of pizza, for a gathering celebrating 28-year-old Anthony Paoletto as the youngest to wear the grand marshal sash for an annual event saluting Italian-American heritage that goes back more than 100 years.
The annual Greater Bridgeport Columbus Day Parade is one of the oldest continuing celebrations in the country.
Thursday evening the ceremony had a different feel to it, a collection of Zoomers (Gen Z) mixing with Boomers accustomed to wearing the sash and organizing events.
The parade is the signature event of the Council of Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport. This year’s parade will take place October 12.
Veteran Baby Boomer organizers decided new, young blood is needed to shoot adrenaline into the festivities.
Ant (if you’re Italian-American named Anthony, what else?) brings more than youth to the table and alliance of young friends. He’s a government and political enthusiast with a mighty fine – for lack of a better word – Rolodex. Remember those rotating card files to store a list of contacts? They’ve pretty much gone the way of the 8-Track and VHS players.
As a Zoomer, Paoletto grew up using the internet, modern technology and social media. His stuff is stored on his phone, laptop, desktop, perhaps a watch and particle of pierced ear.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s a key member of the Ganim administration’s inner-office, assisting in social media and community outreach. He knows people and people know him. Plus, he has served as treasurer over the years for several local political campaigns. That lends itself to folks who can help finance the parade, concerts, various events of celebration week.
He knows how to communicate with the Mustache Petes of the Democratic Party to get involved. That, and a bunch of young people to boot.
So, there’s a new kid in town leading this celebration. If you recognize him on the street, just call him Ant. He’ll understand.
A big OIB shout out to Lindsay Katz for all photographs associated with this report.
Great choice for a Grand Marshall!