Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
More than 300 people gathered in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Oct. 9 to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month. A 1 p.m. ceremony at the Columbus statue in the city’s Central Park featured presentations by Mayor Dave Wood and St. Joseph County Sheriff William Redman as well as by representatives of clubs from St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. The crowd applauded Wood’s announcement that the statue would remain as long as he is mayor.
The celebration marked the 30th anniversary of the statue being erected in the park. The sculptor, David Layman, talked briefly about the statue’s history. Festivities continued with an Italian buffet luncheon at the DeAmicis Club, with food provided by local Italian restaurants.
The event was sponsored by the DiLoreto Society, DeAmicis Italian Club, Italian American Heritage Society of Notre Dame/Michiana, Italian American Relief Association of Elkhart and Knights of Columbus Council 1878.
“Speakers talked about their Italian heritage, the history of the local Italian clubs, the accomplishments of Italian Americans, the true history and impact of Columbus, and defended Columbus against the recent misinformation campaign,” event Chairman Joe Agostino says. “Everyone who attended was excited to be there and glad such an event exists.”
Unlike in previous years, the event garnered positive coverage from local media.
