"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Carrabba’s Italian Grill for their continued hospitality and assistance with making the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival a success," said Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Chairman, Michael A. Blandina. "I am confident that with the continued help of fine people like those at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, this year’s Annual Parade and accompanying Italian Festival will be our finest yet."

The benefit for the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 11:30am until 2:00pm. Tickets to the benefit cost $20.00 per person and include a full Italian lunch and other surprises. Tickets can be obtained by calling Michael at 732-477-6507 or Carol at 732-736-1352.

The Twenty-first Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival will be held in Seaside Heights during the weekend of October 5th -7th, 2012. The Parade will be held on the Boulevard in Seaside Heights beginning at 1:00pm on Sunday, October 7, 2012. This year our Grand Marshal, Joseph Leone Introna, will lead the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade.

"I am looking forward once again to meeting with the numerous friends we have made throughout the past Twenty years as well as new ones at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and in Seaside Heights during the Columbus Celebration weekend," stated Chairman Blandina.