BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) - A light rain did not discourage dozens of local Italian Americans from raising the Italian flag outside of Binghamton City Hall Monday morning in honor of Columbus Day.

Mayor Jared Kraham held a brief ceremony, which is customary each year prior to the annual parade.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo was recognized as this year's Grand Marshal and spoke about how important her heritage is to her and her peers in the local Italian fraternal organizations, many of whom were in attendance.

Tenor Jason Gonzalez from Tri-Cities Opera also entertained the crowd with a classic Italian opera aria.

Former Binghamton Mayor Rich Bucci says Columbus deserves his place in history for establishing a gateway between the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

"President Franklin Ro

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