Mario Andretti, 2004 Grand Marshal
Fire-dancers from the Region of Campania
Maserati Exhibit -
Grand Central Terminal
Float -
Lombard Lakes, Province of Varese
The 2008 Columbus Celebration
The exhibits. The receptions. The floats. The personalities. The crowds!
The week New Yorkers and tourists from the world over stop to be dazzled by the vibrant culture and spectacular achievements of some of the people who made America great.
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of exploration, the struggles and triumphs of immigrants who helped build the United States, and the vibrant heritage and cultural wealth of the Italian-American community, during Columbus Celebration 2008, from October 7 through October 19.
We can’t reveal this year’s Grand Marshal just yet, or the exhibits and participants in the 2008 Columbus Celebration, but the events take place in several landmark locations in New York. Look forward to exhibits in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal and on its Main Concourse, a black-tie Gala Dinner in the Waldorf≈Astoria Hotel, the traditional wreath laying at Columbus Circle, a solemn mass celebrated by His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan, and the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture – New York’s 64th Columbus Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue.
Mark your calendars now for the events that will inform, delight and transport you during Columbus Celebration 2008
| October 7- October 19: |
Exhibits in Vanderbilt Hall Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. and Park Ave. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily |
| October 10: | Performance by a band from Italy to be determined Main Concourse, Grand Central Terminal Open admission 9:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (approximate) |
| October 11: | Columbus Celebration Gala Dinner Waldorf≈Astoria Hotel, 50th St. and Park Ave. Admission by ticket only: for information, call 212-249-9923 |
| October 13: | Columbus Day Mass St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 50th St. and Fifth Ave. 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Columbus Day Parade Fifth Ave. from 44th to 79th Streets 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
And remember – if you can’t make it to the parade, watch it on NBC affiliates from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in a live broadcast anchored by NBC producer, anchor and financial reporter Maria Bartiromo, and entertainer Joe Piscopo. If you’re traveling overseas, you can view it on RAI and RAI International, the Italian broadcast company.
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