The mayor and police commissioner helped launch New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly were at the front of the parade on Monday.

Dozens of police motorcycles and police cruisers had their sirens on as the festive parade started moving up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The 67th annual event stepped off at 44th Street. The parade route follows Fifth Avenue to 72nd Street.

More than 35,000 marchers and more than 100 bands and floats participate every year.

It’s organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation