In the late summer of 1983, two local men with much proud Italian blood running through their veins, decided it was about time that the Nutley and Belleville area had its own Columbus Day Parade.

John V. Kelly, then president of Nutley Savings Bank and a state assemblyman, and Belleville businessman Vincent "Jimmy" Donadia each pledged $1,500 towards the project. With this $3,000 in seed money, they approached the members of the Nutley and Belleville Italian clubs, and the first Columbus Parade Committee was formed. The 1983 parade featured Nutley Mayor Carmen Orechio and Belleville Mayor Michael Marotti as grand marshals. The 31st Annual Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade will take place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, with Grand Marshal Pasquale Megaro Jr. leading the way.

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Source: http://www.northjersey.com