The 10th anniversary of the Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival was celebrated in Dallas. Several groups participated in the parade, from the Civil Air Patrol to the Italian Air Force Representation from Sheppard Whicita Falls, the Knights of Columbus, the Skyline Band, with horses and riders from the Texas Horse Park and River Ranch, from Fortebella Equestrian, with former Miss Texas Andrea Fox, and the Texas Rangers cheerleaders.

After the presentation by Master of Ceremonies Jay Lombardo, the National Anthems performed by Gabriella Fresquez, and the Blessing of the Ceremony by Chris Knight, it was on to the proclamation of Grand Marshal Columbus Day Parade in Dallas 2024 Oscar Renda, the Senate Resolution and Recognition signed by Tan Parker, who encouraged attendees to be proud of the Italian heritage and congratulating the organizers.

Among the local representatives of the Italian community were Antonio Iocchi and Alesandro Pauri, Italian Honorary Consul in Dallas Richard Gussoni, and Consul General of Italy in Houston Mauro Lorenzini, who after appreciating the work of Vincenzo Arcobelli and the organizers, wanted to highlight the importance of Columbus Day as a symbol of Italian identity.

“Today we celebrate the Italian American community in recognizing their great contributions to Texas and the United States. Even with many difficulties, we achieved our goal of preserving Columbus Day in Dallas. I thank the contributors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the Authorities present and all participants, says Vincenzo Arcobelli Chairman of the event.”

This was followed by a performance by the Emeral City Band Allstars musical orchestra, and singer Pino Marelli who arrived for the occasion from Detroit, with attendees enjoying the display of Italian cars ( Ferrari, Fiat and Maserati), in the presence of Italian restaurateurs.