By John Mancini, Executive Director Italic Institute of America, Floral Park, L.I.
Borough President James Oddo's announcement that the Columbus Day Parade will be replaced by an Italian festival because a festival is "deeper and richer," beggars the imagination.
Granted, the traditional parade failed to excite the masses, but it was about one man's courage and commitment to conquer the unknown. Perhaps if the new celebration were called a "Columbus Fest" it might be an appropriate replacement.
Source: http://www.silive.com