Chicago Columbus Day Parade 2018: When And How To Watch The Event

CHICAGO — The city's Columbus Day Parade will mark its 66th anniversary with more than 150 bands, floats and other marching units participating in Chicago's Columbus Day Parade on Monday along State Street. The procession starts at 12:30 p.m., beginning at Wacker Drive and ending at Van Buren Street.

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is sponsoring the parade, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Before the parade, a Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St. That will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Christopher Columbus in Arrigo Park.

This year's parade theme is "We Are One; Sister Cities Around the World," and it will mark the 45th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Chicago and Milan, Italy. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala will be the honorary grand marshal for the parade. Grand marshals over the years have included Ernest Borgnine and Tommy LaSorda and others.

RELATED: Columbus Day 2018: What's Open And Closed In Chicago

ABC 7 Chicago will broadcast the parade live from 1 to 3 p.m.

Chicago Columbus Day Parade 2018: The Basics

When: 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8

Where: State Street, from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street

TV and Streaming: ABC 7 Chicago will air the parade live from 1 to 3 p.m.

More Info: Go to the website for the the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans for details.

The statue of Christopher Columbus in Chicago's Arrigo Park. A wreath laying ceremony will be at the park before the 2017 Columbus Day Parade in Chicago on Monday, Oct. 9. (Photo via Chicago Park District | City of Chicago)