Designating the week of Monday, October 5 through Monday, October 12, 2015 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 Frankie Avalon as Grand Marshall of the 2015 Philadelphia Columbus Day Parade.

WHEREAS, Five hundred and twenty-three 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 11, 2015, 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 Marshall, Frankie Avalon born Francis Thomas Avallone September 18, 1940 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Nicholas and Mary Avallone went on to have a long and illustrious career as both a singer and actor and still performs to this day; and

WHEREAS, Frankie Avalon’s musical talent was recognized at a very young age and made his first television appearance by the time he was 11 years old. Avalon went on have several huge hits including Why, Bobby Sox to Stockings, De De Dinah, his first top ten hit, and arguably his most famous number one hit Venus. He is just as well known for his acting career which includes hits such as Beach Party and Beach Blanket Bingo with Annette Funicello and his famous rendition of Beauty School Drop-out in the movie Grease; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the annual Parade, Columbus Day 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, That we hereby designate the week of October 5 through October 12, 2015 as “Christopher Columbus/Italian American Heritage Week” and honor Frankie Avalon as Grand Marshall of the 2015 Columbus Day Parade.

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

End

Mark F. Squilla

First District Councilman