70th Annual Columbus Day Parade Delivers Crowds, Fun and Italian Pride Along Fifth Avenue

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Oct 14, 2014, 10:41 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of people lined Fifth Avenue yesterday for the 70^th Annual Columbus Day Parade, one of the world's largest celebrations of Italian-American heritage and culture. The parade, which is organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, drew scores of people throughout the world who wanted to celebrate their Italian roots.

Kids join in the fun during the 2014 Columbus Day Parade in New York City, the world's largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

Columbus Citizens Foundation Board members lead the 70th Annual Columbus Day Parade along New York City's Fifth Avenue lined with millions of people celebrating Italian heritage and culture.

The West Point Marching Band salutes New York City during the 70th Annual Columbus Day Parade, the world's largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

The red, white and green Italian flag was ubiquitous among the marchers, which included the most groups ever to march along Fifth Avenue. Grand Marshal Frank Bisignano led 130 groups, 30 bands, 25 floats, dance troupes, entertainers and civic groups. While the first Columbus Day Parade was held in 1929, this year floats added a more modern twist with pulsing sound systems and colorful costumes.

"This was one of our best parades yet and it showed with the tremendous outpouring of people that came out to cheer and support us," said Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. "It was a wonderful day and a true celebration of our Italian culture and pride. We had new performers this year, a great Grand Marshal and we really came together as a community to show our support for Italy."

The 2014 Columbus Day Parade followed the Columbus Citizens Foundation's Annual Gala Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that helped raise millions of dollars to support the Foundation's Scholarship Fund. The Foundation raises millions of dollars every year to support the education of Italian-American students who have the drive to succeed in school and beyond, but not the means to reach their potential. The scholarship programs grew out of the Foundation's desire to improve the lives of Italians and Italian-Americans and offer educational opportunities for hundreds of deserving students.

About the Columbus Citizens Foundation
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. In the coming school year, the Foundation is providing over $2 million in scholarship assistance to over 500 students. In 2013, the Foundation donated $256,000 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which supports American military personnel and their families, bringing its donations in support of our troops to over $750,000, and it was a lead partner in the reinstatement of the Advanced Placement Program in Italian Language and Culture with a donation of $500,000. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade, which has been held under the auspices of the Foundation since 1944.