The Nutley Belleville Columbus Day Parade Committee announces that this year’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7, at 1:30 p.m. The parade route starts at Nutley High School, proceeds south on Franklin Avenue and ends at Belleville High School.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Paul Alongi, a quiet champion for many in the surrounding communities. The Gala Honoree Dinner will be held Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Landmark in Rutherford. For tickets contact Joan Valenza at 973-667-0444 or 973-667-2119.
The other honorees in this year’s parade are as follows: Nutley Woman of the Year – Mary Perrotta; Nutley Man of the Year – Sabino (Sam) Battaglia; Belleville Woman of the Year – Barbara Freda; Belleville Man of the Year – Antonio Iovino; Columbus Lifetime Achievement Award – Bina Spatola and Gerald Spatola O’Connor; Italian Heritage Award – the Rev. Dante DiGirolamo; Renaissance Man – Daniel Fanelli; Nutley Bella Signorina – Danielle Marie DeToma and Gianna Marie Liaci; and Belleville Bella Signorina – Rae Ann Gencarelli and Alana Nicole Tuosto.
More than 8,000 spectators are expected to attend this year’s event. The parade has more than 1,000 participants and more than 90 entries, which include marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, motorcycles, floats, balloons, flags and representation from many local town organizations.
The parade reviewing stand will be at Joralemon St. and Passaic Ave. in Belleville.
