Westerly-Pawcatuck Columbus Day Parade Celebrates 75 Years of Italian Heritage
This year’s theme, Cheers to 75 Years, recognizes a milestone for one of the area’s longest-running community celebrations. Organizers describe the Westerly-Pawcatuck procession as the only known parade in the United States to cross a state line, traveling from Westerly, Rhode Island, into neighboring Pawcatuck, Connecticut.
The event celebrates the Italian-American heritage that helped shape the region, while welcoming participants and spectators from throughout southern New England. The 2026 procession is expected to feature school marching bands, the Westerly Band, civic organizations and visiting groups from other states.
A Parade That Connects Two States
The Westerly-Pawcatuck Columbus Day Parade traces its origins to 1950, when local residents established a celebration of Italian heritage and community pride. Over the decades, it has grown into a major autumn tradition, drawing families to the streets of Westerly and Pawcatuck each October.
One of its most distinctive features is the route itself. The procession begins at Westerly High School on Ward Avenue, moves through downtown Westerly and crosses the Pawcatuck River into Connecticut. The crossing reflects the close relationship between two communities that share a river, a downtown business district and generations of family and cultural connections.
Music has always played a central role in the celebration. The Westerly Band has participated since the first procession, and school marching bands have become an annual highlight. Fire apparatus, community organizations and other parade entries add to the atmosphere as spectators gather along the route.
Grey Sail Founders Named Grand Marshals
The 2026 grand marshals are Jennifer and Alan Brinton, founders of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island. The couple established their brewery in Westerly’s former macaroni factory at 63 Canal Street, a building whose history connects directly to the area’s Italian-American industrial heritage.
After purchasing and renovating the property, the Brintons opened Grey Sail in 2011. The brewery has since become a familiar part of Westerly’s business and hospitality community, making the couple fitting representatives for an anniversary celebration centered on local history and civic pride.
Their selection also highlights the continuing evolution of downtown Westerly, where historic industrial buildings have found new purposes while maintaining connections to the community’s past.
Planning Your Parade Day
The parade begins Sunday, October 11, at 1 p.m., with Monday, October 12, designated as the rain date. Spectators can watch from locations along the route through downtown Westerly and into Pawcatuck, including the Granite Street and Canal Street areas and Stillman Avenue in Connecticut.
Because the parade travels through busy downtown streets, visitors should arrive early, allow extra time for parking and anticipate temporary road closures. Families may want to bring folding chairs, comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for October weather.
The event is free to attend, and organizers continue to welcome donations to support the volunteer-run celebration.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
Details
Event: 75th Annual Westerly-Pawcatuck Columbus Day Parade
Theme: Cheers to 75 Years
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. step-off
Rain Date: Monday, October 12, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Starting Location: Westerly High School
Starting Address: 23 Ward Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891
Parade Area: Downtown Westerly, RI, and Pawcatuck, CT
Admission: Free
Grand Marshals: Jennifer and Alan Brinton, founders of Grey Sail Brewing
Activities: Marching bands, fire apparatus, civic organizations and community parade entries
Parking: Downtown public parking where available; expect restrictions and road closures along the route
What to Bring: Folding chairs, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Weather: Rain date scheduled for Monday, October 12
Accessibility: Sidewalk viewing is available along portions of the route; accessible viewing arrangements have not been specified by organizers
Organizer: Permanent Columbus Day Parade Committee
Contact: support@columbusparadewp.com
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.