From the East Hanover Italian American Club:
Cristina Fontanelli, award-winning opera singer and actress, has been chosen to be this year’s Grand Marshal for the 13th Annual Morris County Columbus Day Parade. Cristina’s great-grandfather was instrumental in 1937 to having President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaim Columbus Day a federal holiday.
Joining Cristina is Henry Amoroso, Esq., attorney with Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi of West Orange. He will be the Italian American Man of the Year. Marisa Spagnoletti, founder of Maurice J. Spagnoletti Foundation, has been selected as this year’s Woman of the Year. Entrepreneurs of the Year are the DiMaiolo Family, owners of Sorrento Bakery of East Hanover.
“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, Oct. 8, 2017, at 2 pm on Ridgedale Avenue 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 14 marching bands including our own Hanover Park and Whippany Park Bands. Joining the bands this year will be the Aqua String Band of Philadelphia, a major attraction in the Mummers Day Parade.
Also, many social and civic organizations, clowns, antique cars, police and fire departments from all around Morris County will be participating.
There will also be a carnival at Lurker Park in East Hanover on the day of the parade with a food truck festival and rides for all to enjoy beginning at noon. In celebration of the 13th anniversary of the parade, music will start in Lurker Park after the parade featuring, The Cameos, who will take us on a tour down memory lane with their golden oldies.
Anyone who needs more information or wants to participate in the parade should call Parade Chairman Sam Chiappa at 973-476-5793, or visit our website at www.ehiac.com.
The Awards Dinner will be held Friday, Oct. 6, beginning at 7 pm at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Ave., East Hanover, NJ.
Music will be provided by Mirage. Mirage Music is one of the tristate area’s 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.
