Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWire) -- 10/05/2016 --Pete Ciarrocchi, the man behind Philadelphia's iconic restaurants, Chickie's & Pete's, is pleased to announce that he will be co-hosting the city's annual Columbus Day parade and festival this Sunday, October 9th. Action News' Alicia Vitarelli and Michael DiPilla, the high-profile computer engineer and Italian-American cultural advocate, will co-host alongside Pete Ciarrocchi, and actor Danny Aiello will serve as Grand Marshall.

The parade will begin in South Philadelphia at Broad and Morris, and it will proceed south on Broad St. to Marconi Plaza at Broad and Oregon. The festival will take place from Noon to 6 pm in Marconi Plaza, where the parade ends in South Philly. The festival will have Italian music, vendors and local restaurants serving their finest Italian delicacies. The festival will be filled with the tastes, sounds and smells of South Philly. "You will think you were in a piazza in Italy", said Pete Ciarrocchi . Admission is free, and Pete Ciarrocchi encourages Philadelphians of any heritage and cultural background to attend.

As the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Philadelphia's 1492 Society, Pete Ciarrocchi is pleased to play such an integral role in 2016's Columbus Day parade and festival.

"Being a part of this is great for the 1492 Society because it gives us a platform to celebrate our heritage with the entire city," Pete Ciarrocchi said. "Regardless of whether or not you're Italian, you should join us because you're sure to have a blast!" he added.

Philadelphia's Italian roots run deep, and Pete Ciarrocchi is one of the city's most prominent Italian-American figures. As a successful entrepreneur, restaurateur, philanthropist, and championship sports franchise co-owner, Pete Ciarrocchi endeavors to give back to his city and champion its people whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself.

To learn more about Pete Ciarrocchi, his business ventures or philanthropic pursuits, visit him online at www.PeteCiarrocchi.com today and follow him on social media for updates.

About Pete Ciarrocchi
Pete Ciarrocchi is the Chairman and CEO of Chickie's & Pete's Crab House & Sports Bar, and a proud owner of the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football League team ownership group. Ciarrocchi serves on the Aria Jefferson Health Legacy Board, Board of Trustees, as well as the 3B Orthopaedic Board of Directors. He is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Brent Celek Take Flight Foundation and is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the 1492 Society. He is an active member of The Polish-American String Band. He also participates in many philanthropic ventures.

Learn more about Pete Ciarrocchi at http://www.PeteCiarrocchi.com.