TLC-star Buddy Valastro led Jersey City’s fifth annual Columbus Day Parade as the Grand Marshal of the procession of October 13^th. Valastro was joined by his seven-year-old son Marco, Mayor Steven Fulop and several Jersey City council members as he marched through the streets of Jersey City. Members of the Jersey City Police and Fire Departments, the Bayonne Bridgemen band and McNair Academic High School’s JROTC joined as well, along with thousands of NJ community members who watched or participated in the local events in NJ. 

Historic downtown Jersey City was decked out for the occasion. While the day started with a little rain, the sun began to peak through the clouds around 1:00 p.m. when the parade commenced at Dickinson High School.  As the celebration continued down Newark Avenue police sirens and drums rang through the streets, under the overpass of I-78, near the Grove Street PATH Station and in front of City Hall where the Jersey City parade concluded.   

The president of the Columbus Day Parade Committee, Nicholas Grillo, also joined the marchers toward the end of the procession. Grillo is responsible for the Jersey City parade each year. 

Valastro was selected as this year’s Grand Marshal because of his strong ties to the local Jersey City community, as well as the neighboring Hoboken area, where he owns the famous Carlo’s Bakery.  The bakery always has a line of customers waiting to meet the baking legend and is known for its extravagant cakes.  Check out this nature-themed wedding cake the shop recently created!