"It was very
peaceful," said
A steady drizzle
of rain kept parade watchers to a minimum while dozens of uniformed police and
barriers along the nearly 3-mile parade route separated the sides.
Parade
participants blasted car horns and revved motorcycle engines to drown out a
small group of protesters who had gathered along the route.
Don Bruno viewed
the parade as it passed along Broadway.
"It
Dozens of
Italian-Americans proudly waved American and Italian flags. A float belonging
to Tirolesi Trentini del
Colorado was painted with a mountain scene found in
Phil Antonelli,
84, is president of the social organization. Antonelli was joined by his wife,
Romana, who grew up in Dolomiti. The couple said they
participate in the parade every year to honor their Italian roots.
"We want
this to be our day. We want to celebrate our heritage, our culture. We
The parade began
at 10 a.m. at
The parade was
then stopped briefly when a group of 13 indigenous women tried to present
parade organizers with a "Treaty of Transformation," but the offer
was declined.
"We have
tried many times to hand them a proclamation only to have backs turned on
us," said Mano Cockrum,
a member of the American Indian Movement of Colorado
"We
Many on both
sides agree that they would like someday to see a peaceful parade on the
streets of
"I would
love to see it take place in
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com