Monday, October 10, 2022 – Midtown Manhattan
by APB Video Field Team
The annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture in the United States, took place under a beautiful blue sky. Grand Marshal Tom Golisano led marching bands, floats and over 100 marching groups up the Fifth Avenue parade route, from 44th Street to 72nd Street.
The tradition of a Columbus Day Parade began when Generoso Pope led a group of Italian Americans from East Harlem to Columbus Circle in 1929. The parade was formalized as an official celebration of Columbus and Italian heritage in 1944, and this year’s event marks its 78th Anniversary. Groups, institutions, and partners from across the United States and Italy took part in this year’s celebration.
Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex and noted philanthropist, served as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. Golisano’s visionary business acumen led to the creation and success of Paychex, which streamlined payroll and human resources services to businesses nation-wide.
Golisano is also an investor in 18 businesses across the country. Golisano’s charitable work is undertaken by the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, with a primary focus on awarding grants to organizations that provide opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
APB News camera teams were on the parade route as mayor Eric Adams arrived, Governor Kathy Hochul, GOP Governor candidate Lee Zeldin, NYPD commissioner Keechant Sewell, FDNY commissioner Kavanagh along with other city officials. Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani enjoyed himself on this warm fall day aboard the WABC radio float.
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. The Foundation organizes New York City’s annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American heritage on New York’s Fifth Avenue since 1929.
As of this posting, the NYPD reported no issues.