The Ocean City High School Marching Band will be among the many participants appearing in Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 8 at 2:00 p.m.

Shown in 2010 is a float carrying employees from First Bank of Sea Isle City, who threw treats to spectators lining Landis Avenue.

Shown during last year’s parade are (from left) Nicholas, 4, and Joseph Rutledge, 5, with their cousin Bella Steelman, 5, who were a big hit as they cruised along Venice’s Grand Canal in a gondola.

Live music, delicious food and vendors selling Italian collectibles will delight festival-goers on Oct. 8 during Sea Isle City’s 4th Annual Italian Festival.

In addition to live music and other entertainment, Sea Isle City’s 4th Annual Italian Festival on Oct. 8 will feature a variety of vendors selling food, collectibles and other “must have” items.

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SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City’s 2011 Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival will both take place on Sat., Oct. 8, rain or shine. Both events will highlight Sea Isle's rich Italian history while offering an abundance of family fun.

The 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade, which will begin at 2 p.m. near the Sea Isle City Italian American Club (adjacent to the causeway bridge on JFK Boulevard), will run east along JFK Boulevard before turning south on Landis Avenue and ending at 63rd Street, where this year’s Italian Festival will already be underway. The parade will feature a bevy of entertaining participants, including the Ocean City High School Marching Band, a collection of antique vehicles and a variety of creative floats. The parade will also include numerous elected officials from Sea Isle City and Cape May County, representatives from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department, local business leaders, many prominent Sea Isle City residents of Italian-decent, fire engines and other first response vehicles, and representatives from local civic organizations, including VFW Post 1963, the Knights of Columbus Madonna Maria Council, the Sea Isle City Italian American Club, and local scout troops. Adding to the festivities will be an appearance by Christopher Columbus himself.

Sea Isle’s 4th Annual Italian Festival, which is co-hosted by KIX-McNutley’s and LaCosta Lounge, will take place at 63rd and Landis Avenue, 10:00 a.m. until dusk. In addition to free live music throughout the day, including performances by Marino’s Lite Band and other entertainers, the festival will also feature a large display from The Cento Food Corporation and Stavola Food Distributors (where free give-aways will be available), a variety of great food, an Italian Vendors Market with collectibles and other “must have” items, and numerous displays from local non-profit organizations.

An Awards Ceremony will take on the festival’s main stage at 4:00 p.m., at which time the Columbus Day Parade’s “Royal Italian Family” will be honored, including the 2011 Italian Man, Woman, Queen, Prince and Princess of the Year. Afterwards, organizers will host the festival’s First Annual Cannoli Eating Contest, which promises to be a very popular event. Following three-rounds of competition, the contest’s winner will receive a prize and be heralded as the festival’s “2011 Primo Cannoli Eater.” The Cannoli Eating Contest will be limited to 20 contestants; those interested in competing can phone (609) 263-9090.

For additional information about Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade or 4th Annual Italian Festival, email: kixmcnutleys@aol.com, or phone (609)263-4461 (ext. 230) or 263-6341.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
(Image: SIC Parade OCHS Band) The Ocean City High School Marching Band will be among the many participants appearing in Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 8 at 2:00 p.m.

(Image: SIC Parade Gondola) Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade will feature many creative participants, who will honor Sea Isle’s rich Italian history. Shown during last year’s parade are (from left) Nicholas, 4, and Joseph Rutledge, 5, with their cousin Bella Steelman, 5, who were a big hit as they cruised along Venice’s Grand Canal in a gondola.

(Image: SIC Parade First Bank) Marching bands, fire engines, antique autos and a variety of creative floats will highlight Sea Isle City’s 21st Annual Columbus Day Parade. Shown in 2010 is a float carrying employees from First Bank of Sea Isle City, who threw treats to spectators lining Landis Avenue.

(Image: SIC Italian Fest Vendors) Live music, delicious food and vendors selling Italian collectibles will delight festival-goers on October 8 during Sea Isle City’s 4th Annual Italian Festival.

(Image: SIC Festival Grounds) In addition to live music and other entertainment, Sea Isle City’s 4th Annual Italian Festival on October 8 will feature a variety of vendors selling food, collectibles and other “must have” items.