WORCESTER, Mass. — Hundreds of people gathered along Shrewsbury Street in Worcester for the annual Shrewsbury Street Italian Heritage Parade and Festival.

Now in its third year, the parade was lead by grand marshal Kevin Marcadante, president of Mercadante Funeral Home. Some may also know him for running the annual Memorial Day veteran flag placement at St. John Cemetery, or his work as commissioner of several local youth sports leagues.

As part of the busy day, a free family festival was held at East Park, and there was also a Saturday night dinner and prayer service at Pepe’s Restaurant.

Although the parade is still a relatively new sight in the city, dozens of families have already made it a tradition.

“We have family in the parade with a float, and we have other relatives that have trucks in the parade,” Ellen Caporelli said.

“It’s just loads of fun to see different people, how the old generation does it, and how the new generation picks up on it,” added Isabella Caporelli.

Parade organizers hope the event continues to grow every year, and they’re also hoping to strengthen roots within Worcester’s Italian community, particularly around Shrewsbury Street.

In addition to a grand marshal, the parade also had an official mayor in Gino Digioia, who moved to Worcester from Italy in 1969 and ran a successful foreign car shop before starting a construction business.