Parade celebrates the city’s diversity

VENTNOR – Retiring U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) and his wife Tina will be grand marshals of the second annual Twilight Holiday Parade and Kid’s Block Party, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. LoBiondo has been representing South Jersey for 24 years and the couple resides in Ventnor. Arrow Hardware will also be honored for its many years of service to the residents of the city. The store announced it would close this year after 67 years in business.

The parade and block party that follows boast the theme, “It’s a Small World,” and focuses on the city’s diverse population. The Ventnor City Public Schools will have flags and dress from the various cultures that are represented in the Ventnor City community. The parade route is Ventnor Avenue from Cornwall to Troy Avenue.

Applications are being accepted for participation in the parade and vendors are needed for the block party being held after the parade at New Haven and Ventnor avenues. The block party includes entertainment, horseback rides, inflatables, concessions and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Along with the Ventnor City contingent, parade units to date include: WIBG 94.3, WAVY 95.1 FM, WZXL 100.7 FM, WZBZ 99.3 FM, ACUA, Bass Pro Shops, Farley and Ferry Real Estate, Tom Harris Jewelers, Chic-Fil-A, Enlightened Solutions, 1977 antique police car, Longport Police Department, Margate Fire Department, Longport Mayor Nicholas Russo, North Beach Residents Association and the Oakcrest High School Marching Ambassadors.

To sponsor or participate, call Sean Gleason at 609-289-2791, Albie Battaglia at 609-576-7621 or Shelley D’Orazio at 267-980-7632.

Categories: Ventnor

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.