Sea Isle Plans Parade, Italian Fest

SEA ISLE CITY, NJ – In Sea Isle City, a community with a rich Italian-American history, the Columbus Day weekend will be celebrated in grand style. The fun will begin at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 9, with the third annual Sea Isle City Italian Festival at Kix-McNutley’s on 63rd Street.
The yearly festival, which is hosted by Mayor Leonard Desiderio and his family, will feature a variety of cuisine from many well-respected eateries.
There will also be numerous displays from local civic and private organizations, who will offer useful information about upcoming events and related activities, and a Vendors Market, where Italian collectibles and many other items will be for sale.
Representatives from the Cento Corporation will be on hand as well with displays and free giveaways.
An abundance of music will fill the air at the Italian Festival, which will keep everyone dancing at Kix’s pool area, in front of the festival’s outdoor stage and under a giant music tent.
In addition to live bands, look for the fun-loving antics of Jerry Blavat (AKA: the Geator with the Heator), Deejay Rick Rock and others.
Also on Oct. 9, Sea Isle City’s 20th annual Columbus Day Parade will begin at 2 p.m. near the Sea Isle Bridge on JFK Boulevard.
This year’s parade will feature many participants, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, regional beauty queens, recognizable mascots, and many local residents – including members of the D’Intino family, who will be gathering in Sea Isle for a large family reunion over Columbus Day Weekend.
Spectators will also enjoy floats, fire engines and other rescue vehicles – all in addition to the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that serves as a hallmark for Sea Isle City.
The parade will run along JFK Boulevard and then head south on Landis Avenue before culminating at the Italian Festival on 63rd Street. Following the parade, awards will be presented to the event’s Italian Queen, Prince and Princess, the Italian Man and Woman of the Year and Grand Marshalls. The excitement of the Italian Festival will then continue until dusk.
According to Carmela Desiderio, organizer of the parade and festival, this year’s celebration will be better than ever.
“The Italian Festival is very exciting and everyone always has a great time,” she said. “We try to improve it each year and offer a variety of enjoyable entertainment options. Sea Isle’s autumn festivals help extend the season and keep the summer-fun going long after Labor Day.”
For additional information or to learn how you can become a vendor at the third annual Italian Festival, call 263-4461 ext. 230 or 263-6341. You can also visit www.kixmcnutleys.com.