SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ – COVID-19 has killed another Jersey Shore tradition, the annual Columbus Day Parade. Fundraising efforts fell short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but organizers instead, are looking toward 2021’s 30th-anniversary celebration.
“The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee regretfully announces the cancellation of the 29th Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival due to financial shortfalls brought on by the Corona Virus Pandemic. We have been unable to conduct fundraisers and seek sponsors to provide the committee the financial support needed to produce the 3-day festival and parade. Our fund-raising efforts fell very short but are continuing, to give us a head start for next year 30th celebration. We are having our Annual fundraiser sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill on Saturday, September 12th. We had to change the event to a take-out format due to the inability to have a large crowed indoor. We are planning a procession with Italian Flag raisings in various municipalities on Saturday, October 10th to celebrate the National Italian Holiday of Columbus Day. There will be a ceremony in Seaside Heights at the conclusion of the procession. Please join us to show our pride and to honor our Italian Heritage and Culture. More details will be posted as soon as the plans are finalized,” the organization said today.
“We look forward to seeing all of you next year as we celebrate our Thirtieth Anniversary on October 8th, 9th and 10th. We still have the $100 Fall Raffle tickets available (only 100 sold) with a $5,000.00 prize. We have tickets for the Carrabba’s Italian Grill fundraiser tickets for $22.50 please give us a call. You can also visit our website at www.columbusnj.org,” the committee said in a statement on social media.