With a large immigration of Catholics during the mid-19th century and in response to discrimination from anti-immigrant activists, most notably the Ku Klux Klan, Catholics created organizations to combat discrimination and provide a means of survival for struggling immigrants.
The Knights of Columbus who chose that name in part because they viewed Christopher Columbus, a Catholic as the icon of the struggle of Catholic immigrants and their pursuit of citizenship.
Today many Italian-Americans and Italian-American organizations such as the Sons of Italy and the Italian-American Association observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage.
The first known celebration of Columbus Day began in New York City, a city with a large Catholic population, occurred on October 12, 1866.
Columbus Day was first celebrated as a holiday in the United States as a result of the efforts of Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian, in Denver. In April 1934, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt set aside October 12 as Columbus Day and a Federal holiday.
Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.
North Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
North Jersey Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 3, 2010
201-646-3902
Starting at Noon on Main Street in Hackensack |
East Hanover, NJ Columbus Day Parade -
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Starting at 2pm along Ridgedale Avenue from Lurker Park to Town Center Square |
Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 10, 2010
973-284-4960 Connie Francis will be the Grand Marshall. The parade begins at 1:30pm. Parade line up will be at 12:00pm. Parade starts in Belleville at the High School and proceeds down Joralemon Street heading west and turns onto Franklin Avenue heading North. The parade will end in Nutley in front of the Walker Middle School. |
Central Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
The Seaside Heights Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival
October 8, 9, & 10, 2010
732-477-6304
One of the largest Columbus Day parades in NJ with thousands of marchers and even more people lined along the parade route.Patrick L. Bottazzi has been chosen to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year's Columbus Day Parade to be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010. It will step off at 1 p.m. from the Boulevard at J Street and continue down to Sampson Avenue. There will be bands, floats, mummers and more. The Italian Festival Weekend begins at 4 pm on Friday, and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday and will include an Antique Car Show and performers from Italy. |
Fall Festival 2010!
Saturday & Sunday, October 9 -10, 2010
VonThun Farms
519 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, NJ
732.329.8656
Pumpkin picking, apple picking, hayrides, clown, juggling, magic, & puppet shows, balloon animals for the kids, live country music, crafts, vendors, food, pony rides, farm animals, corn maze, straw maze, pedal kart and trike courses, face painting, moon jump, and lots more…along with tons of 'down home country fun!! Included free with your admission: Live country music by Nashville Attitude Visit with this year's special guest…Tigggger! Meet friendly farm animals Clown shows Puppet shows Balloon animals for the kids. Tour our interactive Agricultural Education center Meet "Peter", the talking pumpkin Cruise our 'Vendor's Row' to visit with our vendors and many animal rescue groups Blacksmith demonstration (Saturday at 11:30) TENTATIVE 4-H Dog Obedience & Agility Demonstrations |
South Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
Atlantic City Annual Columbus Day Parade
Saturday, October 2, 2010
on the Boardwalk
Features floats, bands and other entertainers to pay homage to the spirit of Italian-American culture. |
Sea Isle City Italian-American Festival and Columbus Day Parade
Saturday, October 9, 2010
609-263-4461 x230
The Columbus Day Parade starts at 2:00 pm in front of the Italian American Club and ventures down Landis Avenue and ends at KIX-McNutley's, 63rd Street where the Italian-American Festival will have started at 1:00 pm until dusk. The festival has over 35 food & various merchants.
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The New Jersey October Events Calendar - is packed with exciting things to do in NJ. It includes concerts, theatre, festivals, kids events, and entertainment, that have appeal to people of all ages and interests, especially with parents and/or families with children ages 4-18.
Things to Do In October
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