By Ed Wilkinson

The sixth annual Columbus Day Parade marched down Cross Bay Blvd. on Sunday, Sept. 25.  Sponsored by the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, the parade was led by Grand Marshals who included Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio; Josephine Merietta, board member of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York; and Mitchell Weiss, clergy liaison to the NYPD. Participants included Ave Maria Catholic Academy and St. Helen’s School, as well as the marching band from Christ the King Regional H.S., Middle Village, and Miss New York, Kaitlin Monte.