Celebration of Italian Heritage This Weekend in Seaside

The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee announces this year’s events to celebrate the National Holiday of Columbus Day, since the Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade has been cancelled.

“Since the cancellation of the 29th Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival do the financial shortfalls brought on by the Coronavirus Pandemic our committee has been looking for a way to celebrate our Italian Heritage and Culture.” - Michael Blandina the Parade Committee’s long time Chairman

The committee has decided along with other Italian American Organizations to have a procession, which will be followed by a ceremony on the Franklin Avenue Stage located on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. All who would like to join us for the ceremony should arrive on the boardwalk by 11:00 am.

The Metropolitan Festival Band will perform prior to the ceremony, which will begin at 12:00 pm. The ceremony with feature the Knights of Columbus Color Guard posting of the colors and renowned singer Cori Scotti, who will sing the American and Italian National Anthems. The program will also include Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari and the Mayors of the 4 Municipalities participating in the procession. Those Mayors in Ocean County are Berkeley Township’s Mayor Carmen Amato, Township of Toms Rivers Mayor Mo Hill, Brick Township’s Mayor John Ducey, and Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz.

The participating Italian Organizations will also be recognized and Robert DiBiase, Chairman of the New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission will also speak. At the conclusion of the ceremony The Juke Box Legends will perform. The boardwalk concessions and restaurants will be open so bring your family and friends to celebrate our National Holiday of Columbus Day. The ceremony starts at 12:00 pm at the Franklin Avenue Stage in Seaside Heights.