The Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee, hosts of the largest Italian American parade in Essex County, is proud to announce that this year’s Columbus Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, October 13th at 1:30 pm. The parade route begins at Belleville High School, proceeds north on Franklin Avenue and ends at Nutley High School.
The Committee will proudly present the 2019 Grand Marshal Award to Buddy Fortunato, Publisher of the Italian Tribune. The Gala Honoree Dinner will be held on October 2 at 6:30 pm at the Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville. For tickets contact Barbara Freda at 973-650-3849.
The awardees being honored in this year’s parade are Nutley Woman of the Year, Marie Solimo; Nutley Man of the Year, Joseph Tesei; Belleville Woman of the Year, Anna Jannicelli and Belleville Man of the Year, Joseph Pizzi. The Italian Heritage Award will be presented Francesca Roselli and this year’s Renaissance Men are Matthew Genitempo and Sal Scarpelli. The Italian Business Owners of the Year are Dino Vitagliano and Joseph Capasso. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Gina Tamburri and Community Excellence Awards go to Karen Yeamans and Walt Smith. The Belleville scholarship recipient is Derek Lombardi and the Nutley scholarship recipient is Alessandra Santoriello.
This year’s parade will draw thousands of spectators who will see more than 1,000 participants, representing more than six dozen entries, including marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, motorcycles, floats, flags and representation from many local town organizations. There will be face painting, zeppole stands and a balloon bounce and slides for the children.
The parade reviewing stand will be at Franklin Avenue at the Oval in Nutley. If you are interested in participating in the parade, please contact Pasquale Meola at 973-489-7002 or Bill Freda at 973-632-4367. Please join the Parade Committee in celebrating the maritime accomplishments of Christopher Columbus and a celebration of Italian Heritage.
