JERSEY CITY – Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council, the Division of Cultural Affairs and the Hudson County Columbus Day Committee will hold their annual parade this Sunday, October 7, 2012.

“The heritage and contributions of Italian people are rich and prolific,” said Mayor Healy. “In addition to honoring Italians in Hudson County, particularly in Jersey City, Columbus Day offers an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the diversity of our communities.”

The parade will take place at 1:00 pm on Newark Avenue at Merseles Street and will conclude at Grove Street in front of City Hall. This parade will celebrate the 520th Anniversary of the discovery of the Americas by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus and the Dante Alighieri Society’s 103rd year of commitment to celebrate the Great Navigator’s spirit of adventure.

Each year the Dante Alighieri Society honors individuals of the Columbus Day Parade for their commitment to society. This year’s honorees are, Mr. Thomas Cammarate, Esq. as “Grand Marshal,” and Assemblyman Sean Conners as “Deputy Grand Marshal,” Nicholas J. Grillo as Columbus Day Parade “Chairman,” Mrs. Diann Greco as Italian “Woman of the Year,” Mr. Ellis DeCrese as Italian “Man of the Year,” Mr. Andrew LaBruno as Italian “Police Officer of the Year,” Mr. Frank Manzo as Italian “Fire Fighter of the Year,” Dr. Joseph Galano as Italian “Educator of the Year,” Mr. John Tarantula as Italian “Businessman of the Year,” Mrs. Maureen Healy as Honorary “Italian Woman of the Year,” Mr. Gerard De Jackmo as Italian “EMT of the Year,” Ms. Anna Rizzo as “Miss Columbus.”

For more information please call 201-547-6921 or visit JERSEYCITYNJ.GOV