The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee
Incorporated
500 Christopher Columbus Boulevard
P.O. Box 1492, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
(732) 477-6507
www.columbusnj.org
info@columbusnj.org

PRESS RELEASE

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**


Contact: Michael A. Blandina 732-477-6507

    Seaside Heights, NJ - The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is currently accepting nominations for Grand Marshal of the Twenty-third Annual Parade and Italian Festival to be held in Seaside Heights from October 10th through October 12th.

    "The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival has grown into one of the most popular ethnic celebrations at the Jersey Shore, attracting thousands of tourists to Seaside Heights over the past 22 years," said Parade Chairman Michael A. Blandina. "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 22 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, Carol Camilli Wolfe, Stephen R. Leone, Kim Pascarella, Patrick L. Bottazzi, Luigi Marciante, Joseph Leone Introna and last years honoree Paul Barlo, 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:

    Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee
    c/o Michael A. Blandina
    249 Hawaii Drive
    Brick, NJ 08723

    "Every nomination that is submitted will be carefully considered by the Selection Committee," said Chairman Blandina. "I am confident that they will once again select a most deserving individual and someone who will be an exemplary representative of the residents of Ocean County." The Grand Marshal selection will be announced the first week in April. The person chosen to be Grand Marshal will be honored at the Annual Dinner Dance, which will be held on June 19th.

    Anyone who is interested in becoming involved with the 2014 Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival, or joining the committee, please contact Michael Blandina at 732-477-6507.