Several dozen members of the community gathered in Mindowaskin Park Sunday, Oct. 13 for the annual Westfield Christopher Columbus Day ceremony, sponsored by the Westfield Italian-American Club and the Greater Westfield chapter of UNICO.

Beyond discussions regarding the voyage Christopher Columbus sailed centuries ago, speakers praised the many achievements that Americans with Italian backgrounds have had over this country’s history. Gene “Gino” Jannotti, former executive director of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, was this year’s grand marshal.