Brick Township, NJ - The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is proud to announce that we have chosen Nicki Ann Cordi to be Grand Marshal for the 29th Annual Celebration. Each year the selection is difficult because there are several worthy individuals nominated and reviewed by the search committee. After carefully reviewing each of them, the search committee has chosen Nicki Ann Cordi. This year’s Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2020. The three-day Italian Festival begins on Friday, October 9, 2020.

"Each year we are faced with the difficult task of selecting a person from the many deserving candidates to serve as the ceremonial leader of our Parade and Italian Festival," said screening committee member Pamela Santamaria. "After thoroughly reviewing and considering all the candidates this year, the screening committee felt that although several terrific nominations were submitted, Nicki Ann Cordi should serve as our Grand Marshal. Her community involvement especially her efforts to take care of and educate children over the years contributed to our decision." Santamaria added.

Nicki Ann was born and raised in Belleville, New Jersey on May 10, 1959. She is a graduate of Belleville High Schools class of 1977 and moved to Toms River in 1990. She is married to Dominic Cordi and she has 2 children, 2 stepchildren and 5 grand children. Her children live through out Ocean County as well. Nicki and Dominic are the owners and operators of Cordi’s Italian Restaurant in Brick Township.

Nicki Ann operated The Ultimate Dance Studio in Toms River between 1996 and 2012. In 1998 she opened The Ultimate Scholar Childcare Center in Toms River. As she saw the need for her services grow in neighboring Seaside Heights she opened Ultimate Scholar II in 2002. After Super Storm Sandy in 2012 Nicki left the dance studio to focus on rebuilding The Ultimate Scholar II, which was totally destroyed during the storm. Since she felt families and especially the needs of children was her passion she was devoting most of her time to that cause. During that time she was also bringing food and clothing to shelters.

Nicki Ann received her Child Development Association Credentials after completing her CDA Course at Ocean County College Continuing Education Program, in 2016. For 5 years she was a winner of the Asbury Park Press Readers Choice Award for One of The Best Childcare Center in Ocean County. She has also been the recipient of Best of Seaside Heights Schools Small Business Award, is a member of National Association For The Education of Young Children, has her Child Development Association Credentials, is a member of The Make A Wish Foundation and Ocean County Council for Young Children.

"Nicki Ann stood out among this year’s nominees because of her commitment to the care and education of our youth. As well as for her efforts to educate others about Italian Heritage and Culture," said screening committee member John Giavatto. Jokingly adding that, "her love for serving Classic Italian Dishes helped the committee make their decision. We are confident that this extraordinary individual will uphold the fine tradition established by her predecessors. We are looking forward to having Nicki Ann Cordi lead our Twenty-ninth annual celebration as Grand Marshal during this year’s celebration." Giavatto added.

Parade Chairman Michael Blandina noted that over the years we have had several distinguished individuals serve as Grand Marshal. We believe that Nicki Ann Cordi will also fill those shoes and will continue to make us proud of our Italian Heritage and Culture.

Please join us as we celebrate the 29th Annual Parade and Festival, the past and future successes of the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival. We will also honor Nicki Ann Cordi’s selection as our 2020 Grand Marshal at our Annual Grand Marshal Dinner Dance. This special event will take place on Thursday June 25, 2020 at the White Sands Resort, Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey beginning at 6:30 pm. To commemorate the Reception and the selection of Nicki Ann Cordi as Grand Marshal, we will publish a souvenir ad journal that will be distributed at our annual reception 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 Nicki Ann, in the journal. The Ad and Dinner Dance Sponsorship deadline is Friday May 29, 2020.

Anyone interested in attending the reception, 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 at 732 477-6507 or e-mail the committee at info@columbusnj.org.