Italians parade their pride in Astoria

The Federation of Italian Organizations in Queens (FIAO) held their annual Columbus Day parade on Saturday, October 7, led by Grand Marshall and Attorney General candidate Andrew Cuomo and Parade Chairperson Jerry Iannece, the Chair of Community Board 11.
Local politicians, including State Senator George Onorato, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr., and Peter Vallone, Sr., the former Speaker of the City Council, also marched alongside Queens natives Cuomo and Iannece.
About a dozen mini Fiats followed the parade leaders through the streets of Astoria - assembling at Kaufman Studios and finishing at 31st Street and Astoria Boulevard.
This year's festivities were the 28th annual celebration of Columbus Day for the FIAO of Queens, which is based in Astoria.