By Mariel S. Clark
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his political opponent William Thompson all braved the chilly weather to march in the 65th annual Columbus Day parade Monday.
Despite unseasonably cool temperatures in the low 50s, more than 30,000 people showed up to wave red, green and white flags in celebration of Italian-American heritage.
"I'm Italian and I feel it's important to be here," said Maria Trapani who moved to Bayside 21 years ago from her home in Sicily. Trapani and 80 of her friends and family visiting from Italy chartered a bus for the parade.
The parade also offered a chance for Bloomberg and William Thompson to greet potential voters as they marched the route along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street.
Astronaut Aldrin waved to the crowds from the back of a Ferrari convertible.
Midtown traffic was re-routed around and through the parade, leading to pauses in the procession of performers, floats and musicians.
Public schools, government offices and many banks are closed today in observance of Columbus Day.
A morning Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral preceded the parade.
