Randy DeMartini, Executive Director of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club and Larry Mazzola, Jr., Business Manager of Local UA 38 will be honored as parade Grand Marshals

The nation’s longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade takes to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 9, 2022

The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is proud to announce its return to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Last year, the Italian Heritage Parade was the first major parade to take place in the city since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and this year the parade once again expects to host vibrant crowds coinciding with San Francisco Fleet Week.

Randy DeMartini and Larry Mazzola, Jr., and will be honored as parade Grand Marshals. DeMartini is Executive Director of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, an anchor of the North Beach community, which provides after school activities, enrichment programs and services, and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Mazzola Jr. is Business Manager of Local UA 38, President of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and is part of a proud Italian-American tradition of fighting for working men and women in San Francisco.

“Growing up in North Beach, like so many others, “The ‘Club,’ as we refer to it, became an integral part of our childhoods,” said DeMartini. “It’s a safe place for kids and teens in San Francisco to learn, grow and thrive. I’m honored to represent 100 years of the Salesian Boys & Girls Club as a Grand Marshal in this year’s Italian Heritage Parade.”

“My grandmother was born and raised in North Beach, and I am also lucky to say I am a life long San Franciscan. I am proud of my Italian heritage, and proud of the 2,600 Local 38 members I represent and the things we do together to give back to San Franciscans,” said Mazzola.

“We are proud to honor Randy DeMartini and Larry Mazzola, Jr. as our 2022 Grand Marshals for their longtime support of the Italian-American community in San Francisco,” said Bill Mastrangelo, President, San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade. “All are welcome to North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf to support our local businesses and celebrate the community with another buona festa.”

The parade begins at 12:30 pm at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton Streets in Fisherman’s Wharf and ends in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. It will feature Italian and Italian-American dignitaries, music, performances, floats and representatives of Italian and Italian-American organizations and businesses. Additional dignitaries will be announced soon.

The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is the longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade in the United States and celebrates the accomplishments and culture of all Italian-Americans. The inaugural parade took place in 1868 in San Francisco’s downtown, featuring the bands and marching units of Italian fraternal organizations, including the Garibaldi Guard, Swiss Guards and Lafayette Guards. Throughout the years, it has remained a sign of the vitality of the Italian communities in the Bay Area.