Italian Heritage Parade

On behalf of Rotary, Past President David Dye and I have marched in the Italian Heritage Parade for the past seven years. Participating Rotarians, Interactors, and Rotaractors carry flags representing the nations with Rotary clubs. Others carry club banners for our Rotary clubs. Following the group has been a cable car. This year, we were unable to get a cable car, but not getting a cable car turned out to be a good thing.

 

This year, our Club member Michael Petricca, in charge of security at the Academy of Art University, provided an AAU truck and a classic 1948 Cadillac from the AAU's classic car collection. Josie McHale, Interact Chair for Rotary District 5150 and Past President of the Rotary Club of San Bruno, enlisted the help of over 150 Interactors and Rotaractors. Almost every flag was carried in the parade. Our Club President John Mathers arranged for warm tacos and salsa for breakfast and a sound system.

 

David Widerman, President John, Past President David, and Dora Dye decorated the truck. Past President Stephanie Schmautz and Past President and PDG Eric Schmautz organized our presence at the parade and made sure that we had flags and refreshments. President-elect Rhonda Poppen and Bill Poppen made sure that parade participants had water and snacks. Club member Massimo Maresca and his wife Sylvia carried the Italian flag.

 

Spectators applauded when they saw us as we marched along the parade route. Many shouted “Yay, Rotary!” I was proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, and I look forward to next year’s parade!