Parade Chairman Michael Blandina

One of the largest events that draws people to the Jersey Shore during the shoulder season is the annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival. Now in it's 23rd year, the event will run from October 10th to October 12th in Seaside Heights and is about so much more than just marching bands and food vendors...

No boardwalk fire will be stopping Ocean County's 22nd Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival from stepping off in Seaside Heights next month. Organizers are putting the finishing touches on the massive three-day event that runs from Friday October 11th to Sunday October 13th.

Ocean County’s Columbus Day Parade isn’t complete without a Grand Marshal and this year the honor goes to local Italian specialty food store owner and philanthropist Joseph Leone-Introna.

It's time to submit a nomination for the person you believe would best represent Ocean County's Italian culture and heritage this year.