Joe and Terry Vece of the Village of Bonnybrook reigned as Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella as the Italians laid claim to Spanish Springs Town Square.
The Resident Parade Committee staged a spirited parade to the delight of those who lined the parade route Tuesday afternoon around the square.
The event included 400 walkers and 140 decorated golf carts.
The top prize for decorated golf cart went to Ada and Pat Agostino of the Village of Chatham. Ada was born in Italy and included many authentic touches of the old country.
Second place went to Ron and Ann Marchioni and third place went to Joe and Pauline Apichella.
The Villages High School Marching Band participated in the parade for the first time.
Band director Andy Deen said the event was a good tuneup for the band as they prepare to perform in the Outback Bowl in Tampa on New Year’s Eve.
Nelson and Dolores Carlson of the Village of Amelia of were thrilled with the parade.
“We’ve been in The Villages 10 years,” Nelson said. “The parades are a big part of what makes life so special here.”
The German American Parade will be staged Oct. 21 by the Resident Parade Committee. It will also take place in Spanish Springs.
