Chris Coccia has been chosen to be this year’s Grand Marshal for the 15th Annual Morris County Columbus Day Parade. Chris has been a long-time supporter of the parade as well as the owner of a successful real estate company the Coccia Real Estate Group in East Hanover.
Joining Chris is Anthony Iacullo Esq. of the law firm Iacullo Martino who will be the Italian American Man of the Year. Natalee Vaccaro Bartlett, East Hanover Superintendent of Schools has been selected as this year’s Women of the Year. Entrepreneur of the Year is John Gunnello owner of Direct Disposal. The Athlete of the Year is soccer star Giuseppe Rossi. The East Hanover Italian American Club has also named Dr. Paul Lombardi as the Humanitarian of the Year. The parade Princess is Valentina Marra.
“This is an outstanding group of honorees who serve as great role models for young people and demonstrate how hard work and family values are the backbone of what Italian Americans are all about”, said parade spokesman, William Agnellino.
The parade will be dedicated to the first Italian immigrants and all of the following generations. Family, friends and church carried them through even the hardest of times. There is a movement in our great country to change the name of Columbus Day which has been a symbol of pride for Italians and Italian Americans. This is why the East Hanover Italian American Club urges all Italian Americans to come out and show their support for Italian pride and keeping this great holiday tradition by joining us at the parade.
This year’s parade will commence on Sunday, October 13th at 2:00 on Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover. Lisa Marie Latino of Long Shot Productions will serve as the Parade Master of Ceremonies. Assisting her at Town Square Park will be Christina Agnellino. The parade will feature eleven marching bands including our own Hanover Park and Whippany Park Bands. Also, many social and civic organizations, clowns, antique cars, police and fire departments from all around Morris County will be participating.
This year Alessandro Ghinelli, mayor of Arezzo, Italy, will be participating in the parade with ten of Arezzo’s finest police officers.
The East Hanover Italian American Club will be sponsoring a Family Fun Day at Lurker Park featuring free family entertainment. There will a petting zoo, face painting, balloon art, bounce castle, wrecking ball and other attractions for children beginning at 3:00. There will also be food vendors as well as a live performance by the spectacular music group, The No Cover Band.
Anyone who needs more information or wants to participate in the parade should call Parade Chairman Nunzio Amoresano at 973-449-7792.
The Awards Dinner will be held Friday, October 11th beginning at 7:00 at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Ave., East Hanover, NJ. Music will be provided by Damico Entertainment. They are one of the tristate areas top entertainment choices. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $100.00 by contacting John Alvino at
973-879-1044.
If you have any further questions, please call Bill Agnellino at 973-418-1485.
