Italian Flag Raised in P.T. Barum Square for Columbus Day [VIDEO]

For nearly 30 years, Bethel has celebrated Columbus Day and the town's Italian-Americans and this year was no exception.

Several residents and town leaders woke up early Monday morning (for many a day off from work and school), to enjoy Bethel's mini Columbus Parade and the raising of the Italian flag in PT Barnum Square.

At 9 a.m. a boat carried residents and people dressed up as Christopher Columbus, Queen Isabella of Spain and George Washington drove down Greenwood Avenue, followed by Tulio Belardinelli driving a Belardinelli Tire trunk with Italian and American flag decor and a old-fashion car; all representing Columbus' Pinta, Niña and Santa María ships that sailed to the Americas 519 years ago.

"We all know Christopher Columbus as one of the world's greatest explorers, but his plan was not to just explore, he was also an entrepreneur," First Selectman Matthew Knicker said after the parade. "That's the legacy seen across our country and in our town....we have entrepreneurs that are risk-takers and that have helped build our community."

Belardinelli, an Italian-American, helped raise the Italian flag this year as the country's national anthem "Il Canto degli Italiani" played.

"Tulio has just celebrated ," Billy Michael said, who was the master of ceremonies at the event. "What an Italian-American. Hooray for Tulio, 50 years is a milestone."

Gina Clarizio, who has portrayed Queen Isabella in the parade for 27 years, spoke of Columbus' legacy.

"Today we celebrate our great explorer and the great accomplishments of Italians and Italian-Americans," Clarizio said. "...it's all of our responsibility to keep his memory alive." 

First Selectman Ed Mills started Bethel's Columbus Day celebration in 1982. At the age of 86, of this year and his wife Geraldine spoke of his support of Bethel's Italian community. 

"I beg of you to talk to your children of your heritage, culture and love of life," Mills said. "...You have a long ans glorious history; preserve it, share it." 

The Columbus Day celebration was also attended by Selectmen Richard Straiton and Paul Szatkowski, Tea Party candidates Robert Burke and Bob Crnic, state Rep. Dan Carter (R-2) and state Sen. Michael McLachlan (R-24).