“The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival has grown into one of the most popular ethnic celebrations in New Jersey,” said Parade Chaiman Michael A. Blandina, “One of the highlights of the weekend is our musical act from overseas. I am confident that this year’s guests, “Agilla E Trasimeno”, will prove to be a popular addition to our 2004 festivities.”

“Agilla E Trasimeno” was formed in 1957. They come from Castiglione del Lago, in the Umbria region of Italy. The group is moved by a passion for traditions of their land. This folk-group began touring abroad in 1971 and has visited more than 20 countries since then including Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Be1gium~, Holland, Finland, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, England and many others. Of course, they have performed in Italy touring in all 21 regions, promoting cultural exchanges between folk groups.

This group consists of different age groups who are moved by a passion for the traditions of their land. Their simple costumes are traditional nineteenth and twentieth century. The woman wear a large scarf on their shoulders and very large aprons, while the men wear a waist-coat, scarf around the waist and trousers tied at their calves.

Chairman Blandina credits Mario Marano, Groups and Organizations Chairman for the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee, with arranging the appearance of “Agilla E Trasimeno”.

“The Parade and Italian Festival are the cuhnination of a year of hard work from a number of people,” Blandina said. “I would like to extend my thanks to Mario and the rest of the Committee for their commitment to making our Parades and Festivals memorable.”

The Thirteenth Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday, October 10th, beginning at 1pm on the Boulevard. This year, the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee has chosen Nina Anuario of Jackson Township to be this year’s Grand Marshal. The accompanying Italian Festival will be held on Grant Avenue, beginning on Friday, October 8th and continuing until Sunday, October 10th.

Chariman Blandina has also announced that the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is still seeking groups and organizations who would like to participate in this year’s Parade. “The Committee is constantly looking for groups and organiztions that wish to participate in the Parade,” said Blandina. “Participation in the Parade is free, as we feel any addition to the parade will be valuable and will contribute to the enjoyment of all who attend.”

The Committee is currently seeking sponsors for the numerous bands that will participate in the Parade and Festival. “We still have bands available for any business, organization or professional who would like to take this opportunity to sponsor one and become part of the Columbus Day Parade Family,” Blandina said. Band sponsors are recognized during the Parade by a banner that leads the band down the Parade route. Band sponsors also receive recognition at the reviewing stand an on a special cable television broadcast about the Parade and Festival.

Any organization, business or professional wishing to participate in or sponsor the Thirteenth Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Street Festival, may call Michael A. Blandina at 732-477-6507 or Mario Marano at 732-914-0351.