Columbus Day Parade Needs Grand Marshal

Wow, what a mild winter this was.  While we only had a handful of snow events, it was pretty darn cold at times.  Many of us are counting the days till the Summer season.  But while we all get set for sunbathing and surf, the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is hard at work at planning their big event taking place in October.

It's an annual tradition.  In fact, this year will be 22 years since the event started.  The big parade begins with an Italian Festival all about the heritage and culture.  Recently, chairman Michael Blandina appeared on the Ocean County Breakfast Show with Shawn Michaels and Sue Moll on 92.7-WOBM-FM.  He explained to them that the committee is currently accepting nominations for Grand Marshal of the event.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the event which runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday - October 11th, 12th and 13th in Seaside Heights.

Blandina says "Grand Marshal nominees should be civic minded individuals who are of good character as they will be the symbolic leader of the weekend's festivities."

Past Grand Marshals from the Parade's first 21 years included, restaurateur Anthony Baiamonte, Jr., Mulberry Street Italian Food Center owner Michael Colasurdo, commercial developer Donato "Dan" D'Onfrio, Gary Lotano, Nina Anuaria, former Superior Court Judge Peter Giovine, Hugo Vicari, Carol Camilli Wolfe, Stephen R. Leone, Kim Pascarella, Patrick L. Bottazzi, Luigi Marciante and last years honoree Joseph Leone Introna, among other notable Ocean County figures.

"This selection process has been difficult over the years because there are always a number of worthy nominees," said Carol Tramutola, Chairwoman of the Grand Marshal Search Committee. "The Selection Committee will work diligently to choose the right person to serve as Grand Marshal for this year's Parade and Italian Festival and one that will represent the Parade Committee and Ocean County in an admirable manner."

The deadline for nominations for Grand Marshal is April 1st. Nominations should be submitted with a letter and biography or resume to:

You can send your letters to:

Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee

c/o Michael A. Blandina

249 Hawaii Drive

Brick, NJ 08723

Or call 732-477-6507

There's more information at columbusnj.org