EarthCam presents an exclusive Fifth Avenue Camera view of New York City's Annual Columbus Day Parade, which took place Monday, October 12, at 11:30am ET.

The camera vantage point, one block south of St Patrick's Cathedral, offers views of marching bands, political leaders, entertainers and folk dancing troupes' among 35,000 participants as they honor Italian-American heritage.

Grand Marshall Kenneth G. Langone, co-founder of Home Depot and Chairman of The NYU Langone Medical Center, led celebrants on the 35 block tribute from 44th street near Rockefeller Center to 79th Street at Central Park.

Special honored guest Italian swimming champion Federica Pellegrini, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2009 World Record holder will also join the line of march.

The parade, established in 1929, celebrates the spirit of exploration and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus in 1492 and the contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States.