The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee
Incorporated
P.O. Box 1492
500 Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
(732) 477-6507
www.oceancountytourism.com/columbus
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce that the
special guest attraction for the 15th Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian
Festival will be "La Pacchianella" a folklore group of singers and dancers from
Monte Sant' Angelo, Italy. The Parade and Italian Festival will take place in
Seaside Heights during the weekend of October 6th through 8th.
"The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival have grown into one
of the most popular ethnic celebrations in New Jersey," said Committee Chairman
Michael Blandina. "Every year we feature a special cultural group from Italy to
add an authentic spirit of Italian culture to our celebrations. This year our
special guests are from the International Folkloric Group 'La Pacchianella.'"
"La Pacchianella" was founded in 1923 in the Italian Province of Foggia.
Their performances feature an authentic celebration of Italian folklore, culture
and heritage. The group performs traditional songs and dance in traditional costumes.
The group is one of the oldest and most renowned cultural groups in Italy.
"La Pacchianella" has made a tremendous impact not just in Italy but around the world.
They have performed all across Europe, including in Greece, Germany, Switzerland,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and France. They have also performed for
the late Pope John Paul II. This fall, "La Pacchianella" will be performing in the
United States for the first time in its history.
Chairman Blandina once again credits Mario Marano, Groups and Organizations Chairman
for the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee, with arranging for the appearance
of "La Pacchianella." Blandina said, "the Parade and Italian Festival are the
culmination of a year of hard work from many dedicated people. 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 Fifteenth Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday,
October 8th, beginning at 1 p.m. on the Boulevard. This year, the Committee has
selected Hugo Vicari to serve as the Parade's Grand Marshall. The accompanying
Italian Festival will be held on Grant Avenue, beginning on Friday, October 6th,
and continuing until Sunday, October 8th.
The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is still seeking groups and
organizations who would like to participate in the Parade. Participation in the
Parade is free.
The Parade Committee is also seeking sponsors for the numerous bands that will
participate in the Parade and Festival. 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 and on a special cable television broadcast
about the Parade and Festival.
Any organization, business, or professional wishing to participate in or sponsor
the Fifteenth Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival may call
Chairman Michael Blandina at 732-477-6507 or Mario Marano at 732-914-0351.