For many years the East Boston fall favorite was the Columbus Day Parade, gathering thousands from surrounding communities and a litany of parade favorites. Over the past years the parade has slipped away, Covid 19, funding, the Grand Marshall of all the late Albert “Buddy” Mangini no longer here to gather the troops and add that much needed spark to the event.
This year, a new committee chairman has evolved, no stranger to the East Boston Community, Joe Ruggiero and friends. Taking up the mantle and leading the community to bring back the parade, re-named the East Boston Italian Heritage Parade. It will be held on October 11, of this year.
Last Friday evening several hundred parade supporters gathered at the Beachmont VFW, donating money for admission, carrying in an evening’s supply of treats, from Chinese food to pizza, sharing stories of past parades, and bringing out the best in the community.