Mario Andretti, 2004 Grand Marshal

Fire-dancers from the Region of Campania

The 2009 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 2009, from October 6^th through October 17^th.

We are proud to have as our 2009 Grand Marshal Kenneth G. Langone. Mr. Langone is the co-founder of Home Depot and Chairman of the NYU Langone Medical Center. Honorees include Frank A. Corvino, President & CEO of Greenwich Hospital, Ronald J. Ferrelli, Managing Director, Northeast Division, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Special Honored Guest from the Republic of Italy Hon. Ignazio La Russa, Minister of Defense, and as Special Honored Guest from Italy Federica Pellegrini, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist/2009 World Record Holder.

Exhibits in Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal will feature Veneto: A Bridge between Venice and New York. This exhibit will showcase the Region of Veneto and will explore its industry, beauty, customs and contributions to Italy’s culture.

Additional events include a black-tie Gala Dinner in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the traditional wreath laying at Columbus Circle, a solemn mass celebrated by His Excellency, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, and the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture – New York’s 65^th Columbus Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue.

Mark your calendars now for the events that will inform, delight and transport you during Columbus Celebration 2009

October 6th- October 17th:	Exhibits in Vanderbilt Hall Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. and Park Ave. 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily Veneto: The Future has an Antique Heart, a Bridge between Venice and New York 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily except October 9th: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
October 9th:	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 10th:	Columbus Celebration Gala Dinner Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 50th St. and Park Ave. Admission by ticket only: for information, call 212-249-9923
October 12th:	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.  If you’re traveling overseas, you can view it on RAI and RAI International, the Italian broadcast company.

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