Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm for Columbus Day Parade, Italian food fest
A torrential downpour couldn’t stop the Columbus Day Parade and festival on Saturday, as the longtime Cape Coral tradition soldiered on despite the conditions.
Entering its 28th year, the parade and festival endured a slate of some unlucky bad weather but still managed to show everyone a good time, offering real Italian food and live entertainment.
Frank Aleci has enjoyed the festivities over the years but this year, as a member of the Sons of Italy, Aleci was responsible for some no nonsense crowd control, and he was having good time despite the weather.
The Sons of Italy organized and sponsored the event.
“I’m having a great time, I’m just a little soggy,” Aleci said. “It takes a while to put it together so you have to make the best of it.”
The parade and festival are an effort to highlight and honor Italian culture. Food is also an integral part of the festivities, as vendors lined Southeast 47th Terrace selling freshly made pasta dinners, sausage and pepper sandwiches and an array of fine desserts.
Sherri and Frank Schumacher missed the parade but they were ready to chow down on some Italian delicacies.
“We’re going to have some dinner while we’re here, I’m looking forward to lasagna or a meatball sandwich,” Sherri said.
The Schumachers assumed the parade would be called off because of the bad weather but they were still ready to have some good food and listen to some Italian music,
They were disappointed they missed the parade.
“We didn’t think they would have it,” Steve Aleci said. “We thought it would at least be delayed. Who has a parade in the storm?”