Brick Township, NJ - The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee is proud to announce that we have chosen a husband-and-wife team, Anthony and Kendra Zarrilli to be Grand Marshals for the 34th Annual Celebration. Each year the selection is difficult because there are several worthy individuals nominated and reviewed by the search committee. After carefully reviewing each of them, the search committee has chosen Anthony and Kendra Zarrilli. This year’s Columbus Day Parade will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The three-day Italian Festival begins on Friday, October 10, 2025. There are several fundraisers held through-out the year including our Annual Dinner Dance, where the Grand Marshal will be honored and two other individuals or groups will receive our Italian American Service Award. Receiving the Service Award this year will be The Storino Family and Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines.

Anthony and Kendra met in 1995 and have been married for nearly 24 years. Kendra is a graduate of Rutgers University and Anthony of the University of Florida. Both have received their MBA from Georgian Court University. They are the proud parents of 3 children. Identical twins, Grace and Ella and a son Anthony Jr. The have lived in Brick Township for more than 20 years, where they have raised their children. Anthony’s family has long been involved in the community here In Brick Township and now he and Kendra have expanded on that community involvement. “Anthony and Kendra stood out among this year’s nominees because of their commitment to the community and to family” said Chairman Michael Blandina. We are confident that these extraordinary community-oriented individuals will uphold the fine tradition established by their predecessors. Our committee is looking forward to having Anthony and Kendra lead our Thirty-fourth annual celebration as Grand Marshal during this year’s festivities.” Blandina added.

They are proud owners of Zarrilli Homes, LLC, Mantoloking Road Alehouse and as of earlier this year the Mantoloking Road Playhouse. All of which are located in Brick Township. Their involvement in the community in addition to the Brick Children’s Community Theatre includes sponsors of Brick Little League, the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee and other organizations. Kendra has been the President and Business Director of the BCCT for the past 11 years. As the Business Director she runs the day-to-day operation for both the production and educational sides of BCCT. Both her and Anthony have been involved with theatre for over 15 years. They were also instrumental in building the playground at the Primary Learning Center, which is now known as the Warren Wolf Elementary School. Anthony is a member of Brick Township’s Architectural Review Board and Flood Plain Management and Business Economic Development Boards. He has been honored and a speaker for several building trade organizations over the years. In his professional life as a premier custom modular home builder Anthony has won numerous awards and was even featured as part of the eight-episode series of “This Old House” Jersey Shore Rebuilds.

Chairman Michael Blandina also noted that “over the years we have had several distinguished and highly respected individuals serve as Grand Marshal. We believe that Anthony and Kendra Zarrilli will continue serving with distinction and will make us proud of our Italian Heritage and Culture.” Blandina added “We will also be presenting two individuals with our Italian American Service Award. The Storino Family has long ties to tourism in Ocean County and has continually supported the parade and festival. Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines has been a very strong advocate for the parade and festival for more years than we can remember. They will receive this very special award for their commitment to Italian American Heritage and Culture, as well as their continued support of the Annual Parade and Festival.”

Please join us as we celebrate the 34th Annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival and the past and future successes of the Committee on Thursday July 17, 2025. We will also celebrate Anthony and Kendra Zarrilli’s selection as our 2025 Grand Marshals and recognize the other honorees at this Annual Dinner Dance. This special event will take place at The Crystal Point Yacht Club, 3900 River Road, Point Pleasant, New Jersey beginning at 6:30 pm. To commemorate the Dinner Dance and the selection of Anthony and Kendra Zarrilli’s as Grand Marshal as well as honor the Storino Family and Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines. We are looking for sponsors at the annual dinner dance and other events leading up to the parade. If you or your business, would like to show your support at the Dinner Dance as a Sponsor please call Michael at 732 477-6507. The deadline for Sponsorship is Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Anyone interested in attending the dinner dance, sponsoring the event, joining the Parade Committee, or wanting any other information regarding this year’s Parade and Italian Festival and accompanying events may contact Michael at 732 477-6507 or e-mail the committee at info@columbusnj.org.