Long Branch Columbus Day Parade a Big Hit With The Town

Joe Mercadante (left) listens as Lee Durland speaks about Captain Joe Johnson, who recently passed away.

Long Branch Columbus Day Parade organizers Joseph and Janet Mercadante.

Joseph Mercadante, chairman of the Columbus Day Parade in Long Branch, did a great job again this year organizing a spectacular show with the help of the city of Long Branch.

This year’s Grand Marshal was the Rev. Dr. Robert Prescott-Ezickson, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Long Branch. He is also a senior adjunct online Professor of Theology for Grand Canyon University and Grand Canyon Theological Seminary and an author. He has served as president for the Long Branch Ministerium as well as one of the chaplains for the Long Branch Police Department.

At the end of the parade this year, EMS and Fire Departments were asked to line up in from of the reviewing stand on Morris Ave. for a moment silence in honor of Captain Joe Johnson, who passed away over the summer. Long Branch fireman Lee Durland spoke about Joe. “He as been in every parade for the past 30 years,.” Durland said. “He will be sorely missed.”

For the last 19 years,

The parade, which was one of the largest in Long Branch so far, began at the Long Branch Middle School, marched up Bath Avenue, turned right onto Broadway and down Morris Avenue where it stopped at the Morris Ave. School.

There were hundreds of families grouped along the parade’s pathway, admiring the floats, school bands and many other participants. Of course,  spectators were also very excited, with containers ready to collect candy that was being tossed by marching and riding by.

At the end of the parade this year, EMS and Fire Departments lined up for a moment of silence in honor of Captain Joe Johnson, who recently passed away. Long Branch fireman Lee Durland spoke about Joe. “He as been in every parade for the past 30 years,” Durland said. “He will be sorely missed.”