President of Columbus Day Committee Announces East Haven Parade Kickoff Party

Paul Criscuolo, president of the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven, has announced this year’s Columbus Day Parade Kickoff Party will be held on Sunday, July 12.

Hosted by the East Haven Italian-American Club at the club’s facility, — located on 509 Laurel Street in East Haven — the event, which will feature refreshments and entertainment, will run from 1 p.m. until the evening.

“On behalf of our entire committee, we cannot express enough thanks to the East Haven Italian-American Club for generously offering to host this great day,” Criscuolo said.

Tickets may be purchased in advance from the Committee or at the East Haven Mayor’s Office, located in Town Hall at 250 Main Street. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

“The event is a significant fundraiser for the Committee, as all proceeds will be used for this year’s Columbus Day Parade, which is being held in East Haven on Sunday October 11 beginning at 1 p.m.,” Criscuolo said.

Since 2003, the parade has become a regional event hosted on a rotating basis among six area communities, which includes North Haven, Hamden, West Haven, New Haven and Branford.

The Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade Committee remains the organizer of the program, with the annual assistance from each hosting community.

Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr., of East Haven, is the Honorary Chairman of this year’s Parade, which will step off at 1 p.m. from the intersection of Coe Avenue and Short Beach Road, down Hemingway Avenue to Main Street into the West End district, concluding at Circle Lanes. The parade will cover approximately 1.6 miles.

Volunteers are still needed for the planning and coordinating of the parade. To march in the parade, any group or organization must complete the parade application which can be obtained on their website, by emailing: eh.joyce@att.net, or by calling Mayor Maturo’s office at 203-468-3204.