In a year of many firsts, New Hyde Park is adding to it with its inaugural Columbus Day parade on Sunday, Oct. 9.
From 10 a.m. to noon, local organizations will be featured on Jericho Turnpike from Lakeville Road to New Hyde Park Road, with refreshments being served at village hall.
The parade is sponsored by Gino’s, Dominick’s Italian Deli, Remo’s Italian Deli, Sansone Market and Umberto’s.
The first grand marshal for the event will be Remo Scarapicchia, who Mayor Christopher Devane described as a “natural fit”.
“One of the nicest, hardest working people you will ever meet,” Devane said. “He’s an institution. Everybody knows him and everybody loves him.”
Remo and his wife, Filomena, have been married for 57 years and Remo’s has been in business for 42 years.
Devane said he is looking forward to celebrating the village’s rich Italian community.
“October is Italian Heritage month and what we’re trying to do is celebrate all the rich traditions, backgrounds and ethnicities in our community,” Devane said. “We’re fortunate to have such a diverse community and have this celebration. It’s going to be a great time.”
Organizations expected to participate include Cellini Lodge No. 2206, the Knights of Columbus, Cub Scouts Pack 544, Boy Scout Troop 298, New Hyde Park Road School band and the village Fire Department, among others.
New Hyde Park Bocce Club will also be providing a small bocce ball court to play at village hall, Devane said.
Since being elected last year, Devane said he and his administration have made it a point to make the village more inclusive and embrace as many cultures as possible. Over the summer, the village held its second All Around the World Multicultural Night. On Friday, Nov. 4, the village will also host its second Diwali Hindu festival of lights celebration at Marcus Christ Hall.
In March, the village also held its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day parade. The village also had plans to celebrate Chinese New Year as well this year, but it was canceled due to COVID-19.
This Saturday the New Hyde Park Memorial High School homecoming parade will take place in the morning before the team plays against Wellington C. Mepham High School at 2 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the village is also hosting its second Halloween parade, which will feature games in front of village hall and costume contests for multiple ages.
“Everyone is invited,” Devane said. “We want as many people as possible to participate.”
If rained out Sunday, the Columbus Day parade will be scheduled for Oct. 10.
