Philly native Frankie Avalon to serve as grand marshal for annual Columbus Day Parade

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- South Philadelphia will be beaming with Italian pride on Sunday for the city's annual Columbus Day Parade.

In City Council chambers Friday an official proclamation declared this entire week as Christopher Columbus, Italian-American Heritage Week, and to celebrate this year's very special parade grand marshal, Frankie Avalon.

Avalon, crooner and young heartthrob, was born Francis Thomas Avallonne in South Philadelphia.

Born at 9th and Wharton, Avalon is famous for his hits such as "Why" and "Venus" and his beach party films alongside Annette Funicello.

Avalon says coming home for this historic event is a gift.

Frankie will join Action News anchor Alicia Vitarelli, Pete Chiarrochhi and Michael Dipilla for this weekend's Columbus Day Parade, a 6abc sponsored event.