The 66th annual Cleveland Columbus Day Parade stepped off at noon today, with over a 100 floats winding their way through the tiny streets of Little Italy.

The warm summer-like day started with a mass at the Holy Rosary Church. "Columbus Day recognizes the monumental historical event that began the process of over 500 years of worldwide immigration to America by people seeking a better life for their families," said parade chairman Basil Russo in a statement.  "Columbus Day offers an opportunity for Italian Americans, as well as other ethnic and racial groups, to collectively celebrate their respective cultures, heritages and traditions."