The numbers are impressive — an estimated 35,000 marchers, and dozens of bands and floats. It's one of America's largest celebrations of Italian-American culture — the city's annual Columbus Day Parade. NY1's Roger Clark reports from Fifth Avenue.

A chilly October day in the city felt a little warmer along Fifth Avenue, thanks to the spirit of folks celebrating their Italian heritage.

"We come every year," said Robert Bruno. "We're really happy that New York celebrates the holiday."

For the 72nd year the Columbus Day Parade spotlighted the best of Italian Culture -

"Food, clothing, music, fashion, art," said Sula Bruno. "The whole thing."

It's organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, which celebrates Italian Heritage and provides scholarships for Italian-American students.

 "We are very proud of them and we want to give an opportunity to them to be successful in life and that's what our mission is," said Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

Building leaders of the future, like Grand Marshal Robert LaPenta, who grew up in Yonkers and founded Aston Capital Partners, a private investment company.

"It's be amazing thing and my family, they are so proud, and everybody's having a great time," La Penta said.

As were people along the 26-block parade route...with marching bands, traditional Italian outfits, cool sports cars and even Leonardo DaVinci, sort of.

"We're Italian-Americans, and it's wonderful to be able to celebrate it," said Rosemarie Bruno.

"The reason I really came to the parade was to see the cars," said Russel Bruno.

The Columbus Day Parade also pays tribute to Italian-Americans who have made great contributions here. We got a chance to talk to some of the honorees.

Including Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur Mario Batali.

"I love tradition," Batali said. "I love everything about the Italian-American Culture and it's piece of the fabric that is the American diversity."

"We need to pass these traditions to new generations," said Federica Marchionni, an honoree at the parade. "Here's my son. And that's what I'm trying to do."

A main mission of this more than seven decade old celebration.