Rain doesn’t dampen parade particpants’ spirits

For the second time in as many years, old man weather wreaked havoc with the Federal Hill Merchants annual Columbus Day Parade.

“Oh well, I guess half of a parade is better than none,” said FHMA Robert D’Uva. “We did manage one good day Saturday and half of Sunday but the rained really ruined Monday’s schedule.”

So much so, in fact, many vendors packed up their wares and headed home.

Although no official time was given, FHMA officials reported that everything was rain free until 10:45 or so Sunday morning, at which time it began sprinkling and the began pouring rain and that D’Uva concurred may have even forced some marching units to cancel their annual appearances.

Nonetheless, a number of Johnston residents participated in the annual line of march that begins on Harris Avenue and concludes on Federal Hill near the famous pineapple arch.

Johnston resident Mike Montecalvo, who is a proud parishioner at Saint Rocco’s Church and the popular news anchor at WPRI-12, was joined by his colleagues co-anchor Caroline Goggin and Meteorologist Tony Petrarca under a huge umbrella as the trio marched the entire route.

Meanwhile, the Johnston Police Department’s award-winning Explorers Post 405 did make its annual appearance and was led by Major Thomas H. Dolan. Meanwhile, Post 405 members carried the colors and the state flag.

However, the entire line of march was without its usual toy-hawking vendors, marching bands such as the award-winning Johnston High School marching Panther band and other high school musical groups from all over Rhode Island as well as nearby Massachusetts.

Only one militia unit, Fall River, made its way along the usually packed parade route that was less than three-quarters its usual standing room only crowd.

However, there were a number of Johnstonians who braved the rain, some walking with umbrellas and others driving in cars.

Perhaps the story of the day belonged to Carmino DeRobbio, Director of Security at the Johnston Senior Center, who pledged to walk every step of the way while carrying the Itlo-American Club of Rhode Island banner.

“Hey, what’s a little rain when you get my age,” DeRobbio, a popular member of the Italian-American organization that’s housed in the former Berarducci Funeral Home on Broadway in Providence. “We actually had run along the whole route.”

The same held true for two ageless Johnstonians – namely Joseph Spremulli and Peter Lombardi – who are no strangers to the parade and enjoyed Sunday’s edition in automobiles.

Spremulli, who serves as President of the Pannese Society of Rhode Island, has a chauffer while Lombardi – who is an officer with the Itlo-American Club and Chairman of the Johnston Senior center’s Advisory Board – drove his sparkling red Cadillac convertible that was filled with family members.

Although no official announcement was made, the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Program had the best organizational display; an oversize pick-up truck with benches for World War II and Korean Veterans to sit – replete with a cover – to avoid the day’s rain.

That unit was led by a banner and accompanied by George Farrell, retired Providence Fire Chief who founded the Fire Chiefs Hub in the state, who made his way umbrella free shaking hands and thanking people for their on-going support.

Only two of Rhode Island’s most prominent political leaders – Cranston Allan Fung and North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi – marched the entire route in the rain. Fung and his Barbara Ann Fenton marched alone under an umbrella while Lombardi led a large delegation of police and fire personal from his town.