Hundreds of people gathered in Worcester for the annual Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade and Festival. Now in its third year, the parade was lead by grand marshal Kevin Marcadante, president of Mercadante Funeral Home. Some may also know him for running the annual Memorial Day veteran flag placement at St. John Cemetery, or his work as commissioner of several local youth sports leagues.

As part of the busy day, a free family festival was held at East Park, and there was also a Saturday night dinner and prayer service at Pepe’s Restaurant. Although the parade is still a relatively new sight in the city, dozens of families have already made it a tradition.