Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans
Columbus Day Parade
About the Columbus Day Parade
Since 1952, the Columbus Day celebration has been a generations-old honoring the Chicagoland Italian American Community. The JCCIA welcomes everyone to join us in celebration for the 2026 Columbus Day Parade, held on Monday, October 12, 2026 on Dearborn Street in Chicago. The location of the parade has been adjusted from State Street due to ongoing road construction.
We are honored to have Michael Tadin serving as our 2026 Columbus Day Parade Chairman. We also are celebrating Campania as our 2026 Parade Region of Honor! This year’s grand marshals are: Lou Gramm, The Original voice
of “Foreigner”, and actor & television personality Tony Danza!
At 9 A.M. the day begins with a glorious mass celebrated by Fr. Richard Fragomeni at the newly renovated Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish ,1224 W Lexington St, Chicago. Following the Mass will be a wreath laying at Arrigo Park.
The parade opening ceremonies will start at 12 P.M. on the corner of Dearborn Street and Wacker Drive. After which, the parade will then commence south down Dearborn Street to Van Buren Street. Following the parade, there will be a reception on Rush Street sponsored by the Bellevue, Tavern on Rush, Gibson’s, and Carmine’s!
ABC7 will be broadcasting the parade live, and live-streaming on abc7chicago.com!
Join us for the
74th Annual
Columbus Day Parade
Monday, October 12, 2026
Dearborn Street from Wacker to Van Buren
(Location adjusted due to ongoing road construction)
Campania
2026 Chicago Columbus Day Parade Chairman
Michael Tadin
President, Marina Cartage, Inc.
As president of Marina Cartage Inc. for 40 years, Michael Tadin Sr. has overseen the company’s growth from humble beginnings on Chicago’s South Side to a transportation leader across the Midwest.
Marina Cartage’s inter-modal and transfer fleet has grown to more than 300 vehicles and heavy equipment, and its construction division operates an additional 100.
He is a supporter of many charitable and educational organizations, including St. Jerome’s Grammar School and De LaSalle Institute, Valentine’s Boys and Girls Club of Chicago and the Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Home. (Fra Noi)
2026 CoLUMBUS DAY Parade
Grand Marshals
Lou Gramm
The Original voice of “Foreigner”
Tony Danza
Actor and Television Personality
Columbus Day Parade committee
Mariann Gullo
Parade Vice-Chair
Domenico Gambino
Parade Executive Committee
Dominic Stramaglia
Parade Executive Committee
Sergio Giangrande
Parade Executive Committee
Eddie Greco
Parade Executive Committee
Enza Raineri
Parade Executive Committee
Thank You!
…to our 2025 Columbus Day Parade Corporate Sponsors!
Be a Part of the Chicago Columbus Day Parade!
The Chicago Columbus Day Parade offers a wide range of exciting opportunities to get involved and be part of this vibrant celebration! Whether you’re interested in participating as a marcher, sponsoring a float, or supporting the event in another way, there are plenty of options to engage and contribute. Explore the various ways you can take part and make this year’s parade unforgettable!
After reviewing the different options for sponsorship, download our sponsorship form OR fill out the form at the bottom of the page to lock-in your participation for the 2026 Columbus Day Parade!
Corporate Sponsor Packages
Green Package
$10,000
Includes:
Parade Float with Premium Parade Placement, 15-Second Television Commercial on ABC TV, Two tickets to Presidents’ Gala, Four Select Seats at the Italian Concert, Placement in select advertising, Premium page in the Columbus Day Ad Book
White Package
$25,000
Includes:
Parade Float with Premium Parade Placement, 15-Second Television Commercial on ABC TV, Special Recognition and Four tickets to Presidents’ Gala, 10 Premium Seats to Italian Concert and Video Wall Ads, Premium Placement in all advertising, Premium page in the Columbus Day Ad Book, Social Media Campaign
Red Package
$50,000
Includes:
90-Second Video dedication on Television, Parade Float with Premium Parade Placement, Front Line Walk, Two 15-Second Television Commercials on ABC TV, Special Recognition and 10 tickets to Presidents’ Gala, 10 Premium Seats to Italian Concert and Multiple Video Wall Ads and Stage Mentions, Presenting Scholarship Placement in all Advertising, Premium Placement in all advertising, Premium page in the Columbus Day Ad Book, Premium Social Media Campaign
Parade Float Packages
Cabrini
$3,000
Parade Float in the 1st section of the parade. Includes a free Purple Page Ad in the Program Book
Da Vinci
$2,500
Parade Float in the 2nd section of the parade. Includes a free Gold Page Ad in the Program Book
Sophia
$1,000
Enter your own business or personal vehicle to drive down State Street in the Chicago Columbus Day Parade!
Additional Musical Add-On
$250
Musical Performer on Float (Audio equipment provided by JCCIA)
Parade Vignettes & Program Book Rates
Vignette
$2,500
30 Second Televised Commercial Vignette on ABC7 During the Parade (Includes Production)
Premium Page
$1,000
Advertisement placed in the 1st section of the Parade Program Book
Purple Border
$500
Advertisement placed in the 2nd section of the Parade Program Book
Gold Border
$300
Advertisement placed in the 3rd section of the Parade Program Book
Silver Border
$200
Advertisement placed in the 4th section of the Parade Program Book
White Page
$100
Advertisement placed in the last section of the Parade Program Book
March in the Columbus Day Parade!
Marching Bands
Join in the rhythm and celebration of Chicago’s Columbus Day Parade! Every year marching bands showcase their talent as they march down State Street and energize the crowd! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this timeless tradition that brings together the community through culture, history, pride and the power of music!
Marching Groups
Step into the spotlight and showcase your group’s spirit, creativity, and energy in Chicago’s iconic Columbus Day Parade! Whether you’re a dance troupe, drill team, or community group, this is your chance to be part of a timeless tradition and march down State Street “That Great Street”. Join us as we celebrate unity, culture, and the vibrant diversity of our city. Register today and help make this year’s parade an unforgettable experience!