Community Corner

Morris County Columbus Day Parade Honors James Gandolfini, Italian Heritage

The 9th annual East Hanover Italian-American Club-sponsored event celebrates Italian culture with color, fun and pride.

East Hanover will honor the late "Sopranos" actor, humanitarian and New Jersey native James Gandolfini when this year's East Hanover Italian American Club Columbus Day Parade steps off Sunday.

This is the ninth year for the event, according to the club's website. 

The parade starts at 323 Ridgedale Ave. in East Hanover at 2 p.m. and culminates at Lurker Park, 609 Ridgedale Ave., where Italian food will be available and games and rides will be offered until 6 p.m. But prior to that, eventgoers will see marching bands including the Hanover Park Marching Band, the Polizia di Stato (a contingent of national police officers from Italy on their annual visit to New Jersey), police and fire units from throughout the county, community groups and more.

Gandolfini isn't the only honoree of the event, according to the Daily Record. Newark Fire Department Chief John Centanni is Italian American Man of the Year; attorney Cristina Mirda is Italian American Woman of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year honors go to Anthony & Sons Bakery; New York Police Officer Larry DePrimo is being lauded as Humanitarian of the Year and young Riley Principe is the 2013 Parade Princess.


WPIX 11 Morning News anchor Dan Mannarino is this year's Grand Marshal, and the emcee is Jeanine Strafacci of News 12 New Jersey.

The parade follows a newer EHIAC tradition: The second annual Columbus Day 5K Run, also sponsored by the Italian-American club, benefits a host of area group and youth scholarships. According to the website, all you need to take part is a good pair of running shoes. The entry fee is $30. Registration is at 7 a.m. at Lurker Park (or register online) and the race will start at 8:30 a.m.  

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