Grand Marshals For Columbus Day Parade Announced

Photo cutline: l to r: Mayor Maturo, Grand Marshals Pio Sgrignari and David McDermott, Paul Criscuolo President Columbus Day Committee of Greater NH

East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. and Paul Criscuolo, President of the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven have announced that the Grand Marshals for this year’s Columbus Day Parade are East Haven resident Pio Sgrignari and David McDermott of McDermott Auto Group. Mayor Maturo is the Honorary Chairman of this year’s parade, which will be held in East Haven on Sunday October 11th.

Pio Sgrignari, born in Italy in 1932, came to America in 1968, establishing residence in East Haven and has made his home on Dwight Place since 1971, where he resides with his wife of 59 years, Carolina. Mr. Sgrignari was a master craftsman in the installation of tile, marble and granite until his retirement in 1994.

David McDermott purchased his first automobile dealership in 1971 and is presently the owner and operator of McDermott Chevrolet and McDermott Lexus, which moved to East Haven in 1997. David is married for 52 years to his wife Sally and is the father of three daughters. McDermott Auto Group in addition to being a significant contributor to many of East Haven’s signature events has demonstrated a community mind spirit unsurpassed throughout the company’s 18 years in the town.

The Columbus Day Parade Kickoff Party will be held on Sunday July 12th. The party will be hosted by the East Haven Italian-American Club at the club’s facility located on 509 Laurel Street in East Haven. The event, which will feature food, drink and entertainment, will run from 1:00 pm until evening.

Tickets may be purchased in advance from the Committee or at the East Haven Mayor’s Office, located in Town Hall at 250 Main Street. Tickets are $ 25 in advance or $ 30 at the door. “On behalf of our entire committee, we cannot express enough thanks to the East Haven Italian-American Club for generously offering to host this great day. The event is a significant fundraiser for the Committee as all proceeds will be used for this year’s Columbus Day Parade.

Volunteers are also still needed for planning and the coordinating of the parade. To march in the parade any group or organization must complete the parade application which can be obtained on the web: www.columbusdaynewhaven.org or by emailing: eh.joyce@att.net or by calling Mayor Maturo’s office, at 203-468-3204.