By Rich Scinto

The town proved Sunday that not only could it host the annual Greater New Haven Columbus Day Parade, but that it could host a record number of marchers.

"It was the largest one in 50 years that we know of," said Paul Criscuolo, co-chair of the event.

It was also the first time in the parade's history that it was hosted in Branford. The decision was made about 18 months ago after Criscuolo and others lobbied to include Branford. The parade was originally held in New Haven and expanded to North Haven, East Haven, Hamden and West Haven in 2003.

The 164 different groups began marching around 1:30 p.m. from Main and North Main streets and ended at Branford High School. The entire route covered 1.3 miles.

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Source: http://www.shorelinetimes.com