CNBNews

By Alexis Abate

                   Posted Oct. 14, 2010

Jerry Blavat, left, served as the grand marshall in the 52nd Columbus Day Parade Sunday that City Council President Anna Verna’s late husband Severino co-founded in 1957.

Photo by City of Philadelphia

While Italian flags hanging on the poles above waved in the slight breeze on a sunny afternoon, hundreds lined the streets and stands between Oregon Avenue and Bigler Street Sunday. Mummers’ brigades and string bands, local school marching bands and the United States Marine Corps followed Grand Marshall Jerry Blavat, who rolled down South Broad Street in a yellow sports car, during the 52nd Columbus Day Parade. Even though the annual event was canceled last year because of fiscal problems, local Italians and Italian-Americans alike were back in full effect to celebrate their heritage this weekend.

“It will be bigger and better than ever,” City Council Director of Communications Anthony Radwanski said before the event.

The mile-long route, which commenced at Broad and Morris streets, ended in front of Marconi Plaza’s Christopher Columbus statue where local broadcaster Paul Perrello stood announcing each passing group. Mayor Michael Nutter, Council President Anna Verna and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, who were instrumental in making this day happen, among other local representatives shook hands with parade-goers as they made their way up to the stage.

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