Instead of a Columbus Day parade, a concert complete with Italian-American song and food was held recently in North Haven. Organizers said the pandemic made it impractical to hold a large parade as in years prior to 2020.

Another hurdle the newly formed Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee faced was the controversy following the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue from Wooster Square Park in New Haven in June of last year. It may not be quite as grand but what will be held Saturday at Wooster Square is the traditional wreath-laying ceremony.