Columbus day wreath lying at Columbus Circle
/ Jim Kenyon
SYRACUSE -- About 90 people turned out in downtown Syracuse on Monday for the annual wreath lying at Columbus Circle.
The commemoration takes place each year in front of the status of Christopher Columbus, which was erected in 1934.
Over the years, attendance at the ceremony has dwindled. In years past, hundreds of politicians, community leaders, and members of the Italian American community would crowd Columbus Circle to commemorate Columbus Day.
President of the Columbus Monument Association, Mike Vavonese, acknowledges that the turnout has diminished. He says the organization is trying to energize the younger generation to turn out for the event.
Among those speaking at the ceremony was Sen. John DeFrancisco, Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, and Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli.
