Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade sails in West Haven this year

WEST HAVEN — The Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade sails into the city Oct. 9, showcasing 100 marching units and 20 bands from throughout the region.

West Haven takes over the Columbus Day Committee’s rotating parade from last year’s host, Hamden.

Former Campbell Avenue businessman Mario G. Coppola, 65, will lead the two-hour parade as grand marshal when it steps off at 1 p.m.

Coppola owned Mario & Joseph Men’s Shop for three decades.

The procession along the 1.5-mile route that leaves from Captain Thomas Boulevard and goes up Campbell Avenue to Center Street and Savin Avenue.
The parade begins with an escort division led by the West Haven Police Department’s Motor Unit and Honor Guard, followed by the grand marshal with the West Haven High School Band, parade committee members and the 2nd Company, Governor’s Foot Guard.
The parade includes dignitaries, such as Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, along with television and radio personalities.
It will be held rain or shine.
Also, the committee is holding its annual Heritage Dinner recognizing Fred DeLuca, co-founder and president of Subway Restaurants of Milford.
The dinner is 6-10 p.m. Oct. 7 at Anthony’s Oceanview, 450 Lighthouse Road, New Haven. It includes hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner, an open bar and live music.
Coppola is a longtime member of the West Haven Italian-American Civic Association and the Rotary Club, sitting on its board of directors. A recipient of The Jimmy Fund award, he is vice president of the San Leucio Society of New Haven.
Area residents are asked to hold off putting out rubbish for their scheduled Monday curbside pickup until after the event.
The north side of Captain Thomas Boulevard from Savin to Washington avenues will be closed at 11 a.m. and all of Campbell Avenue by noon Oct. 9. The crossroads of Blohm and Brown streets, however, are open until the start of the event. Only local residents can access the closed areas.
From noon to 1 p.m., a shuttle service for parade participants is available from the City Hall parking lot to the staging area on Captain Thomas Boulevard.
After the parade, the Italian-American Civic Association is holding a reception at its Chase Lane club. A $15 donation is requested, which includes hamburgers, hot dogs, coffee and soda.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.