Frank Miele to Lead 2026 Columbus Day Parade

This year’s Putnam County Coumbus Day Parade & Festivities honorees include, from left, special honoree Paul Camarda; Grand Marshal Frank Miele; scholarship recipients Lola Lauro, Jake Lauro, and Gabriella Bartholdi; Miss Columbus Madeleine Zeolla; and Honorary Grand Marshals Jake D’Angelo, Carmine Cedrola, and Urania Cedrola.

The Italian American Club of Mahopac recently announced the names of its 2026 Putnam County Columbus Day Parade & Festivities honorees.

Mahopac Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele, a former athletic director, coach, and teacher in the district, has been named the grand marshal. Honorary grand marshals include Urania Cedrola, a member of the IAC Board of Directors; Carmine Cedrola, culinary master and member of the IAC; and Jake D’Angelo, Putnam County legislator.  

The special honoree is Paul Camarda, a local real estate developer and philanthropist.

Miss Columbus is Madeleine Zeolla, Little Miss Columbus is AnnaMaria Amato, and Master Columbus is Jake Lauro.

Honorees will be celebrated at a gala June 14 at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, starting at 2:30 p.m. All are invited to attended.

All the honorees were invited to dinner during the club’s May membership meeting, where they were introduced to the membership along with three scholarship recipients: Lola Lauro, Gabriela Bertholdi, and Jake Lauro – who were also presented with certificates and checks, and read their essays on “How the Italian culture has influenced my life.”

This year’s Columbus Day parade is scheduled Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 p.m. Lineup will include public officials, military groups, dance schools, karate schools, Boy/Girl Scouts, community organizations, antique and classic cars, fire departments, and more. Any organization or business interested in joining the lineup with a banner, vehicle, or float should contact Giulio Cefaloni at 845-745-2655.

For more information, visit italianamericanclubofmahopac.org.