East Boston Italian Heritage Parade route set for Sunday

The East Boston Italian Heritage Parade will step off from Suffolk Downs this Sunday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.

Chairperson Joe Ruggiero said in a preliminary highlight to the event, there will be a parade of 30 antique cars that begins at 12:45 p.m.

The main parade will leave Suffolk Downs on Walley Street and proceed on to Bennington Street. From there, the parade will continue through Day Square and onto Chelsea Street toward Maverick Square and then head up Meridian Street to its finish at the United States Postal Service building at 50 Meridian Street.

“We have 18 marching bands and have at least four, possibly five divisions,” said Ruggiero. “The Shriners are bringing 120 pieces of equipment, such as little bicycles, that children will really enjoy.”

Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Adrian Madaro, and City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata will march in the parade. Miss US Italia Victoria Fabbo will be in the parade.

Honoring the late Buddy Mangini and Jim Kearney

Ruggiero said the parade is being dedicated in memory of Buddy Mangini, who had an instrumental role in organizing several past parades, and Jim Kearney, a former educator and football official.

“These two men were incredibly great East Bostonians,” said Ruggiero. “This parade is all about Buddy and Jimmy.”

Gambale, Brangiforte

are grand marshals

United States Army veteran George Gambale will be the Chief Grand Marshal of the parade.

East Boston High School Principal Phil Brangiforte will be the Grand Marshal of the parade.

Andrew Biggio will receive the Veteran of the Year Award during a ceremony at the conclusion of the parade.

Gratitude to committee members

Ruggiero thanked the members of the East Boston Italian Heritage Parade Committee including Ann Guange, Nick Moulaison, Josephine Tescione, Patty Sartori-Braid, Gina Guange, Albert Mangini, and John Zirpolo.

“We started planning the parade 12 months ago,” said Ruggiero. “The cost of the parade right now is $132,000, and there are several people I want to thank for their donations. I want to thank the East Boston Foundation and a lot of the elected officials. The small businesses were outstanding. And we had three fundraising parties at the Beachmont VFW, and they raised $18,000. The people of East Boston have been tremendous. Our Police and Fire Departments have been sensational in their support. The entire community has come together for this parade.”

David Arinella and Catie Ruggiero will be the television commentators for the BNN broadcast of the parade.