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Designating the week of Sunday, October 12 through Saturday, October 18, 2025, as “Italian American Heritage Week” in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the countless contributions Italian Americans have given to our country and honoring Bob Pantano as Grand Marshall of the 2025 Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade.
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WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957 and has since become one of the City’s premier ethnic celebrations. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, the 1492 Society will host the annual parade. In addition to the active participation of the Delaware Valley’s Italian American community, the Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade tradition includes the world-famous Philadelphia Mummers string bands, outstanding high school and elementary school marching bands and many other marching groups representing the various ethnic traditions of our great City. The Parade seeks to foster a spirit of multi-culturalism and respect for people of all ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Grand Marshal Bob Pantano, a South Philadelphia native, started spinning at the record hops in the late 1960s and then the nightclubs in the 70s. His professional radio career began at WCAM in Camden, New Jersey in 1971. Bob pioneered the live-radio broadcast, “The Saturday Night Dance Party”, in 1977, which airs every Saturday night live on 98.1 WOGL HD2 and Audacy and is the longest running radio dance party in the nation, and has enthralled and entertained Philadelphia audiences with its upbeat dance music; and
WHEREAS, From Bob's days of spinning records at the hops in the late 1960s, to his move into the nightclubs in the 70s, to bringing those nostalgic moments back to packed audiences today. His highly acclaimed reputation in radio, television, and area concerts is unsurpassed in the region, making him a celebrated Philly success; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the annual Columbus Day Parade, festivities include an Italian Festival showcasing the culture and cuisine of the people of Italy. The Italian Festival takes place at Marconi Plaza the day of the Parade and includes food, dance and music from the many diverse regions of Italy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby designate the week of October 12 through October 18, 2025, as “Italian American Heritage Week” and honor Bob Pantano as Grand Marshall of the 2025 Italian American Heritage Parade.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this Resolution are presented to the Grand Marshall of the Parade, Bob Pantano, and to the 1492 Society as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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