Italian-Americans gathered at Utica City Hall to watch the raising of the Italian flag, an annual tradition dating back to the 1950s. Utica is an area rich in Italian culture and people gather at the event each year to show pride in their heritage ahead of Columbus Day. 

"So we're celebrating obviously Columbus Day and Italian heritage, and we're so lucky in the city of Utica that we have such a strong Italian-American foundation. The great foods that we talk about and the continuous people that are coming in, from all over, to have tomato pie, chicken riggies, you name it. We have the best and the Italian culture is a very warm giving culture," said Palmieri. A wreath was also placed at the Christopher Columbus statue located on the parkway.