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.

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 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

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby designate the week of October 4, 2010 through October 11, 2010 as “Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week” and honor Jerry Blavat as Grand Marshall of the 2010 Columbus Day Parade.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the Grand Marshall of the Parade, Jerry Blavat, and to the 1492 Society as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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