Brick Township, NJ - The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is proud to announce that Alan M. Floria Esq. has been chosen to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Columbus Day Parade to be held on Sunday, October 11, 2015. This year marks the Twenty-fourth edition of this popular event.

"Every year we are faced with the difficult task of selecting one person from the many deserving candidates to serve as the ceremonial leader of our Parade and Italian Festival," said Parade Chairman Michael Blandina. "After thoroughly reviewing and considering all the candidates I am proud to say that we have chosen Alan Floria as the Grand Marshal for this years Twenty-fourth Annual Event. His community involvement and especially his ties to the Italian community through-out the county and state, stood out among this years nominees," Blandina added.

Alan M. Floria was born on September 21, 1955, in Newark’s North Ward, right here in NJ. He was raised on Garside Street among other Italian-American families in this close-knit community. It is there where he developed affection for strong work ethic and pride in his Italian Heritage and Culture. His parents, 4 sisters and extended family all lived on the same block in the North Ward. When Alan was two and a half years old, his family moved to Belleville where he lived until he got married. Alan’s first marriage lasted from 1981 to 2002 and brought him 3 terrific children, Michael, Nicholas and Gianna Nicole. His children were raised amongst his wonderful Italian Family and were taught to preserve our rich Italian Customs. In July of 2005, after much of his family moved to Toms River, Alan joined them with his 3 children.

Alan had to rebuild his law practice after the move to Toms River. Because of his strong Italian work ethic and civic involvement, he was able to do so quickly. He transferred his UNICO membership from Verona to the Brick Township Chapter were he has held many positions including a stint as Chapter President. Additionally he has also chaired or assisted with several chapter events. He has served UNICO National as Deputy District Governor and then District Governor. In the Knights of Columbus, he is a Knight of the 3rd Degree. Alan is also a member of the American Legion Post located on Church Road in Toms River. Additionally, he was a member of the Central Jersey Italian-American Club of Jackson. The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is especially proud of his involvement with our committee. He has Chaired Italian Heritage Night at Lakewood BlueClaws and has continually supported, assisted and has been at many parade and festival events. I am sure that Alan’s recent proposal to his long time girlfriend Barbara is one of his most enjoyable moments.

"Alan Floria stood out among this year’s nominees because of the excellence he has achieved in his career and his lifelong service to his community. Especially within the Italian Community" said Blandina. "We are confident that this extraordinary man will uphold the fine tradition established by his predecessors. I am looking forward to having Alan lead our Twenty-fourth Parade and serve as our representative this year."

Alan M. Floria’s selection as Grand Marshal will be celebrated at the Annual Grand Marshal Dinner Dance to be held at the Crystal Point Yacht Club on Thursday, June 18, 2015. We will also be presenting John Giavatto with our service award. John Giavatto is a Trustee of the committee. He is also our International Relations Chairman and is responsible for finding the entertainers and performers from Italy, for the past several years. He works closely with the Chairman on planning the performances and weeklong schedule for these visiting groups. Additionally he is involved with planning Italian Heritage Night at BlueClaws Stadium. During the festival each year John can be seen assisting wherever needed and taken care of our special guests from Italy. "Our annual Dinner Dance is traditionally the highlight of our pre-parade festivities," said Chairman Blandina. "I encourage anyone who wants to have a good time and honor these two fine individuals from Ocean County to attend this Dinner Dance."

To commemorate the dinner dance and the selection of Alan M. Floria as Grand Marshal, we will publish a souvenir ad journal that will be distributed at our annual dinner dance and other events leading up to the parade. We invite you to take this opportunity to advertise your business, profession or add your congratulatory message to Alan in the journal.

Anyone interested in attending the Dinner Dance, placing an ad in the ad journal, sponsoring the event, joining the Parade Committee, or wishing any other information regarding this year’s Parade and Italian Festival and accompanying events, may contact Michael Blandina at 732-477-6507.