Basil Russo, a local and national Italian American standard-bearer, proudly announced that City Council President Blaine A. Griffin will serve as Grand Marshal in the annual Cleveland Columbus Day Parade. The parade will step off at noon on Monday, October 14, on Mayfield Road in Little Italy.

“Councilman Griffin led the city’s Community Relations Board for 11 years, fostering cross-cultural initiatives and building a spirit of mutual respect,” said Russo, who serves as the parade chairman. “Little Italy is part of his ward, and he has always been a great friend to Cleveland’s Italian American community.