The annual celebration of Columbus Day will begin at 9 a.m. Monday at the Columbus Monument, 100 E. Abriendo Ave. The occasion celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in October 1492 and salutes those of Italian heritage who have made contributions to the community and the nation. "It's a day that symbolizes all Americans who have immigrated to the U.S. to find a better way of life, with freedom and security," Mary Jane Cortese, president of Cabrini Lodge 2826. 

In addition to the Cabrini Lodge, the celebration is being hosted by Southern Colorado Sons of Italy Lodges, the Dante Alighieri Society of Pueblo, the Columbian Federation and the Colorado Italian American Heritage Foundation. This year, secured parking for the event will be available at Gnome Park on Abriendo Avenue.