The Columbus Italian Festival is proud to announce that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Italian Festival Parade, Presented by Black Dog Pizzeria, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The Italian Festival Parade is proudly organized by the Columbus Piave Club, the oldest Italian-American civic and social organization in Central Ohio. Founded in 1919, the Piave Club has spent more than a century preserving Italian heritage while supporting charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives throughout the community. For nearly two decades, the Club has hosted the parade as the signature finale of festival weekend, bringing together thousands of spectators in celebration of Italian-American pride and community.
Fabbro has quickly become one of Columbus' favorite Blue Jackets after joining the organization during the 2024-25 season. The smooth-skating defenseman enjoyed a breakout year in Union Blue, recording career highs while becoming a key contributor on the Blue Jackets' blue line. Originally selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft, Fabbro played three standout seasons at Boston University, where he served as team captain, and has represented Canada internationally. He signed a four-year contract extension with Columbus, cementing his place as one of the franchise's cornerstone defensemen.
"We're so excited to have Dante join us in the parade this year," said Joe Ingrassia, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Columbus Italian Festival. "Both of my sons play hockey, and he's their favorite player. 'A nice Italian boy like us!' We know our festival guests, Blue Jackets fans, and the entire Columbus community are going to give Dante an incredible welcome."
Fabbro follows in the footsteps of a distinguished group of Italian Festival Parade Grand Marshals who have helped celebrate the heritage and community spirit of Central Ohio's Italian-American community. Previous Grand Marshals include Tom Bosco, Deana Martin, Rick Brunetto, Dino Tripodis, Dom Tiberi, Sam & Dino Carfagna, and many other respected leaders, entertainers, and community icons. The Columbus Italian Festival is honored to welcome Dante as the newest member of that prestigious tradition.
The 2026 Italian Festival Parade is proudly presented by Black Dog Pizzeria, a longtime supporter of the Italian Festival Parade and the local community. Their partnership helps ensure this beloved Columbus tradition continues to grow while celebrating the city's vibrant Italian-American heritage.
"Black Dog Pizzeria is proud to support an event that brings our community together," said Jessica Hellaine, owner of Black Dog Pizzeria. "We're absolutely howling with excitement to celebrate Dante Fabbro as this year's Parade Grand Marshal. He represents the values of family, hard work, and community that make the Columbus Italian Festival so special, and we're honored to be part of a tradition that continues to bring Columbus together."
Now celebrating its 46th year, the Columbus Italian Festival is one of the Midwest's premier cultural celebrations, welcoming more than 35,000 guests each October to historic Italian Village. Hosted by Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, the three-day festival celebrates Italian culture through authentic cuisine, live entertainment, music, religious traditions, family activities, and community fellowship. Hundreds of volunteers dedicate countless hours throughout the year to make the festival possible and preserve the traditions of Columbus' vibrant Italian-American community.
Following the parade, the celebration continues on the Carfagna's Traditional Stage with the annual High School Marching Band Competition, featuring the outstanding bands that marched in the parade. The competition has become a favorite festival tradition, showcasing talented student musicians from across Central Ohio and providing an exciting conclusion to the weekend's festivities.
The 2026 Italian Festival Parade, Presented by Black Dog Pizzeria, steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, wrapping up the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival, held October 9–11 at Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 168 E. Lincoln Street in Columbus' historic Italian Village.
For festival schedules, tickets, volunteer opportunities, and additional information, visit www.ColumbusItalianFestival.com.
