Columbus Day – Discovering & Celebrating Politics In The North End

It was great see so many familiar and not so familiar faces in the North End during this past weekend’s Columbus Day festivities.

Mayor Thomas Menino attended both the Columbus Day banquet on Friday evening at Joe Tecce’s and served as Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade on Sunday. Menino who was accompanied by his wife Angela, had a very large contingent of supporters lining Hanover Street and his presence was certainly felt with all the waving green signs and shouts of “Tommy” and chants of “Menino” could be heard among the sounds of drums, bugles and clarinets!

The North End’s own, Representative Aaron Michlewitz debuted his hosting skills and did a fabulous job. His only low point came Thursday evening during the Columbus Day Bocce Tournament, when his team of neighborhood heavyweights was vanquished by his colleagues from the State House who invaded the neighborhood and won the coveted Columbus Cup with an impressive novice win! All was forgotten by Sunday when he was cheered along the parade route by his many supporters!

Senator Petruccelli attended all the weekend’s festivities and was treated to a warm welcome by his friends from the other side of the Tunnel – The Senator also felt the sting of his State House colleagues - his team went down to defeat to the novice nemesis’ in the semi-finals!

City Councilor Sal LaMattina joined his friend and neighbor from East Boston and was seen at every event during the weekend – the good Councilor was working the rope line at the parade and enjoying every minute of it – the only thing he didn’t enjoy was losing to Team Beacon Hill in the Championship round for the Columbus Cup! His constituents seemed fine with it on Friday night – when he received a warm welcome at the banquet!

Congressman Mike Capuano made his rounds at the banquet on Friday night. It was his umpteenth event of the day but he worked the room like the pro he is – he received many warm wishes and pledges of support for his quest for U.S. Senate!

Mayoral hopeful Mike Flaherty marched with his ticket-mate Sam Yoon; both were accompanied by their wives and many supporters from the neighborhood.

Christian Kulikoski – a native North Ender and candidate for District 1 City Councilor had a large contingent of family, friends and supporters marching with him.

At-Large City Councilors Steve Murphy and John Connolly once again enjoyed the wonderful dinner at Tecce’s and both marched with family and friends in the parade. Both have been marching since their first election to the Council – Steve is now the longest serving At Large City Councilor and John topped the ticket in the September primary!

It was great to see so many new faces during the weekend – City Council candidate Tito Jackson worked the room at Joe Tecce’s. His fellow contenders Ayanna Pressley, Andrew Kenneally, Felix Arroyo & Ward Three’s own Doug Bennett marched and waved their way along the parade route that made its way from City Hall Plaza, down State Street, along the Waterfront and Christopher Columbus Park and into the North End on Hanover and Endicott Streets.

Last but certainly not least the North End welcomed the champs of the Columbus Day Cup, Representatives Kathi-Anne Reinstein of Revere, Marty Walz of the Back Bay, Katherine Clark of Melrose and Tommy Golden of Lowell – the greenhorn victors said they will be back for next year’s festivities to defend their title. Representative Carlo Basile of East Boston another chagrined participant of the Tournament Bocce vowed revenge – he and the North End’s delegation have a year to practice!

I would be remiss if I did not mention my friend and losing teammate from the Bocce Tournament: Representative Mike Moran of Brighton. We had the distinction of being members of the first team beaten by the would-be Champions – we both commiserated over several glasses of wine at Joe Tecce’s on Friday!

It was a great weekend to celebrate Columbus Day - the discovery of America and Italian American Heritage – and this being Boston it is also great to celebrate politics at its very best!