Johnstonians play big part in Columbus Day Parade

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Dozens upon dozens of Johnstontians helped make the Federal Hill Merchants Association’s Columbus Day Parade one of the biggest and best ever.

There was the energy and enthusiasm of some three dozen girls performing precision routines behind their J-DAPA – Johnston Dance and Performing Arts – banner, featured in Sunday’s annual march along famed Atwells Avenue.

People along the parade route were as impressed with the J-DAPA group as they were the in-step members of the Johnston Police Department’s award-winning Explorer Post 405, who were led along the parade route by a police vehicle driven by Lt. Steven Guilmette.

Accompanied by Johnston Police Capt. Thomas Dolan – who coordinates Post 405 – and advisor Terry Best, the young law enforcement enthusiasts also marched behind a color guard and two banner-carrying members.

Then there was super volunteer Chris Giardina, who doubles as an Explorers advisor and supervisor and drove a police vehicle following the group.

Perhaps the most notable and colorful contingent of Johnstonians was the award-winning and well-dressed Johnston High School Panthers marching band, who sent their magical music echoing across Atwells Avenue.

Accompanied by director Ron Lamoureaux, the band received rave reviews. The Johnston group was the first of a half-dozen high school bands that participated in Sunday’s annual parade.

Johnstonians Carmine DeRobbio, director of security at the Johnston Senior Center, and Donna Folcarelli were among the leaders of a large contingent of Italian American Club members that included Peter Lombardi, a members of the center’s advisory board who drove his prized Cadillac in the parade.

Even George Arakelian, who owns and operates A Custom Car Stereo on Atwood Avenue, drove his special big-wheeled dump truck along the parade route while his wife Gina – a.k.a. Mrs. Italian Rhode Island – rode on the backside of a convertible waving to the crowds.

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