Hundreds turned out to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian heritage on Sunday, October 9th, during the 2022 Festival Italiano along Cross Bay Boulevard.

The event, sponsored by Councilwoman Joann Ariola and the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, saw several businesses and local leaders come together to provide the community with a day of fun, food, games, and excitement.

“What an amazing day celebrating Columbus Day on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach! Thank you to all of the businesses who participated and made this event possible! Thank you to the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation for organizing this extraordinary day!” Councilwoman Joann Ariola tweeted. “Today we celebrate the contributions of millions of Americans of Italian descent,” she continued, “and the beginning of the cultural exchange between Europe and the Americas that shaped the modern world and led to us all being here today.”

All proceeds from the day went to St. Helen’s Church in Howard Beach.