The city of Cleveland kicks off Italian American Heritage Month with a celebration at City Hall on the first Monday in October. This year, the event will be on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Councilman Matt Zone serve as the Honorary Co-Chairs. The event is organized by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee who also selects the individuals who are honored and recognized at the event for their contributions to the Italian American community in Northeast Ohio.

The Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee is accepting nominations for honorees for 2017. Individuals can be nominated in the following categories: Arts & Culture, Business, City of Cleveland Employee, Individual, Public Servant, or Youth. If you know of someone you believe is deserving of recognition, you are encouraged to nominate. The deadline is June 30, 2017. To nominate, visit www.CLEItalianAmericans.com or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you have any questions about nominations or the event itself, please contact Pamela Dorazio Dean, Chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 216-721-5722 ext. 1523.