The 49th Annual Queens Columbus Day Parade kicked off on a beautiful sunny Saturday, October 10, in front of Kaufman Studios in Astoria. The parade began at noon and marched on Steinway Street, ending at the reviewing stand on Astoria Blvd. and 32nd Street, Columbus Trian­gle, where a wreath was placed at the foot of the statue of Christopher Columbus. Parade Grand Marshal was Giuseppe Commisso, CEO of Mediacom Communications. The annual parade was sponsored by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens. For more photos, see page 5. Photo Walter Karling

The 49th Annual Queens Columbus Day Parade kicked off on a beautiful sunny Saturday, October 10, in front of Kaufman Studios in Astoria. The parade began at noon and marched on Steinway Street, ending at the reviewing stand on Astoria Blvd. and 32nd Street, Columbus Trian­gle, where a wreath was placed at the foot of the statue of Christopher Columbus. Parade Grand Marshal was Giuseppe Commisso, CEO of Mediacom Communications. The annual parade was sponsored by the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens. For more photos, see page 5. Photo Walter Karling

Parade Grand Marshal Giuseppe Commisso, the CEO of Mediacom Communications, gets his sash pinned by FIAOQ Executive Director Angie Markham as Christopher Columbus (aka Joe DiRico) en­joys the ceremony. Photos by Walter Karling

Parade Grand Marshal Giuseppe Commisso, the CEO of Mediacom Communications, gets his sash pinned by FIAOQ Executive Director Angie Markham as Christopher Columbus (aka Joe DiRico) en­joys the ceremony. Photos by Walter Karling

Christopher Columbus (Joe DiRico) with navigational compass in hand points out to Giuseppe Com­misso the wonders of the New World seen through a telescope. Queen Isabella (Mayra DiRico) looks on approvingly.

Christopher Columbus (Joe DiRico) with navigational compass in hand points out to Giuseppe Com­misso the wonders of the New World seen through a telescope. Queen Isabella (Mayra DiRico) looks on approvingly.

These avvocati italo-americani can’t wait for the parade to begin.

These avvocati italo-americani can’t wait for the parade to begin.

The parade approaches Columbus Square on Astoria Boulevard.

The parade approaches Columbus Square on Astoria Boulevard.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Italian Deputy Consul General in New York Laura Pirino.

Italian Deputy Consul General in New York Laura Pirino.

Perennial parade participants pose for a commemorative group photo: the Aviation HS Air Force JROTC.

Perennial parade participants pose for a commemorative group photo: the Aviation HS Air Force JROTC.