The Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade, slated for Oct. 8, is being pitched as an event for everyone. "It's just to have a little bit of fun," said Maria Stella Fiore, president and chairwoman of the parade. "Adding a little bit of Italian culture to the diversity of Worcester. I just want to keep the heritage and culture alive."

The grand marshal of the parade is Worcester native J.P. Ricciardi, a former baseball player and current Major League Baseball executive. The parade was held for the first time last year after its predecessor, the Columbus Day Parade, was discontinued after 2018.