The Columbus day Corporation is the oldest Italian American organization in the United States. It was organized on November 11, 1866 and was incorporated on December 6, 1866 it is composed of many St. Louis Italian-American Organizzations, who joined toghether a number of years ago to ensure that there will always be a Columbus Day Parade.
The first parade was organized by the Fratellanza Society in 1867 through the effort of an Italian settlement in downtown St Louis. The parade route started downtown and terminated at the statue of Chistopher Columbus ( donated by Henry Shaw )
in Tower Park. For many years it has benn held on " The Hill" .
Though the parade is always the highlight of the Columbus Day celebration by many Italian Organizzations to promote the philosophy and culture of their heritage by partecipating in a Festa after the parade. The Festa is traditionally held in Berra Park.
An example of such an effort to promote our Italian cultural heritahe in the establishement of the Italian Community Band. Although a separate organizzation, the band was established by dedicated men and woman to continue the custom of having a band represent our Italian community as is the custom of our country, Italy. The band has become a very special part of the Parade and the Festa the past several years.