OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is searching for a grand marshal for their 32nd annual parade, one of the highlights of their Italian Festival to be held in Seaside Heights from October 6-8.
“The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival has grown into one of the most popular ethnic celebrations in the state, attracting thousands of tourists to Seaside Heights over the past 31 years,” Parade Chairman Michael A. Blandina said. “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 as we celebrate our 32nd year.”
Grand Marshals from the parade’s past years included Mulberry Street Italian Food Center owner Michael Colasurdo, former banking executive Nina Anuaria, former Superior Court Judge Peter Giovine, Stephen R. Leone, Kim Pascarella, Luigi Marciante, Joseph Leone Introna, Paul Barlo, Alan Floria, Michael A. Blandina, Robert DiBiase, Judi Leone, Dennis Filippone, Nicki Ann Cordi and last year’s Gilda Rorro Baldassari.
“This selection process has always been very difficult because there are always a number of deserving nominees,” Blandina said. “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 March 25. Nominations must be submitted with a letter of recommendation and biography or resume to: Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee, c/o Michael A. Blandina, 249 Hawaii Drive, Brick, NJ 08723
Blandina added, “every nomination that is submitted will be carefully considered by the Selection Committee and may be called upon with additional questions. I am confident that the search committee will once again select a deserving individual and someone who will be an exemplary representative of Italian Heritage and Culture.”
The selection will be announced in April and the person chosen will be honored at the committee’s annual dinner dance. “At this dinner we will honor the grand marshal, and other worthy individuals, businesses or organizations,” Blandina said.
Those interested in becoming involved with the 2023 Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival, or joining the committee, should contact Blandina by calling 732-477-6507.
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