Providence’s Federal Hill holds its annual festival over three days. So maybe other people “discovered” America before he did. It doesn’t matter. In Rhode Island, Columbus Day is still a time for festivals, parades and celebrations. And here’s a few of them: In Providence, Federal Hill holds its Columbus Day Festival Oct. 7-9, with Atwells Avenue closed between Dean and Sutton streets from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all three days.

The opening ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at noon across from DePasquale Square. The parade is on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m., starting at Harris and Atwells avenues. The festival will feature lots of food — if you have an urge for sausage and peppers, you will be in the right place — but there’s a lot more to chose from as Federal Hill has become more ethnically diverse. The festival also includes rides for the kiddies and vendors selling arts and crafts, T-shirts, hats, toys and more.