A standing-room-only audience filled the community room at the municipal building Sunday morning for a celebration of Italian heritage. The event coming one day before Columbus Day drew representatives from Italian American groups in addition to local, county and state officials. “We celebrate today what unites us,” said Councilman Mark LoGrippo, who spoke about his grandparents being Italian immigrants.

“It is our love of family, our love of good food, all those great things that make us proud of our Italian heritage.” The celebration originally set to be held in Mindowaskin Park was moved indoors due to the rain. What remained in the park, however, was a flag designed by Westfield Italian American Club members Tony LaPorta and Sam Della Fera, both former Westfield councilmen.