“This Monday the City of Binghamton will join other communities across the county in recognizing the endeavors of Christopher Columbus, who landed on the shores of America 516 years ago,” said Mayor Ryan. “This is an opportunity not only to salute those who pursue the horizons of possibility, but also to applaud the contributions of Italian Americans to the development of our community and our nation as a whole.”

The schedule of events is as follows:

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

MASS, 11:00AM: There will be a Mass honoring Christopher Columbus and recognizing the heritage of the Italian community at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. St. Mary’s is located on the corner of Court and Fayette streets.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13

FLAG RAISING, 9:00AM: Mayor Ryan will host a ceremony to raise the flag of Italy over City Hall.

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE AND TOURNAMENT OF THE BANDS, 10:00AM: The Manley’s Mighty Mart Columbus Day Parade & Tournament of Bands will take place at this time. Ten high school bands will participate in the competition, which is sanctioned by the New York Federation of Contest Judges for Marching Bands. Binghamton High School will host the competition, and compete. The other participants include Blue Ridge, Deposit Central, Harpursville, Johnson City, Northeast Bradford, Susquehanna Valley, Union-Endicott, Vestal, and Williamson (Tioga, PA).

Bands will be judged on visual appearance, originality, and complexity of music. The parade starts at Arthur and Main Streets and will travel down Court Street to Exchange Street.

This year’s Columbus Day Parade will also include Deere and the Family Clowns, a series of antique cars, performers from the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Kahlura Shriners, a host of local dignitaries, and many others. Mayor Ryan will lead the parade as Grand Marshal.

ITALIAN FESTIVAL, 11:00AM-2:00PM: The Italian Street Festival, which is being hosted by the City of Binghamton, will feature live Italian music and Italian food vendors. The Italian Festival will take place on Water Street next to Boscov’s.

City parking ramps will be free of charge throughout the day.

This year’s Columbus Day festivities are sponsored by Manley’s Mighty Mart, and organized by the Downtown Binghamton Business Association and the City of Binghamton.