MANHATTAN, New York—Several officials participated in the 77th annual Columbus Day parade in New York City, the first large-scale parade since the pandemic started. The most notable presence was Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, who, after taking some questions from reporters, marched for about two blocks up to St. Patrick’s cathedral, where she greeted New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan and then left the scene in a van. “Our infection rate is incredibly low. It’s safe here. Our vaccination rate is well over 85%. We’re going to crush it at 90%. Let’s enjoy the day. Thank you,” Hochul said. “This is Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” Hochul said, referring to the counter-celebration held on the same day of the federal holiday of Columbus Day. “But I also want to celebrate the heritage of the thousands of Italian Americans who came here as immigrants,” she added. Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, a Republican, participated in the …