City of Philadelphia - File #: 100628

• File #: 100628
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 9/23/2010
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Title: Designating the week of Monday, October 4 through Monday, October 11, 2010 as "Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Jerry Blavat as the Grand Marshall of the 2010 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
• Sponsors: Council President Verna, Councilmember DiCicco, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Rizzo, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Sanchez, Councilmember Krajewski, Councilmember Clarke, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Miller, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Green, Councilmember O'Neill

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
9/23/2010	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced, Read and Adopted	Pass

Title
Designating the week of Monday, October 4 through Monday, October 11, 2010 as "Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World and honoring Jerry Blavat as the Grand Marshall of the 2010 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.
Body
WHEREAS, Five hundred and eighteen years ago, a courageous Italian visionary set out on what would become one of the most momentous journeys in the annals of history. Christopher Columbus and the maps he charted to the "New World" were guiding lights to every ship that came to America; and

WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade began in South Philadelphia in 1957, and has since become one of the city's premier ethnic celebrations. On October 10, 2010, 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, The Grand Marshall of the 2010 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade is the famous Philadelphia personality, Jerry Blavat. Born in South Philadelphia and known as "The Geator with the Heater", Jerry Blavat is the quintessential Philadelphian. This year he is celebrating the tremendous accomplishment of fifty years in show business, with a legendary career in radio, television and numerous personal appearances; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the annual parade, Columbus Day festivities include a gala dinner and an Italian Festival showcasing the culture and cuisine of the people of Italy. The annual Italian Festi...