The traditional purple painted stripe was vividly seen in the center of Franklin Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 13. Nutley and Belleville once again joined together to host the only Columbus Day Parade in Essex County. The 37th annual parade also celebrates Italian Heritage month.

The 2-mile parade kicked off from Belleville High School on Passaic Avenue, proceeded north to Joralemon Street to Franklin Avenue toward Nutley ended at the viewing stand in front of John H. Walker Middle School. The Carabinieri (the Italian Police) again came to march in the parade. Other participants included the Nutley Maroon Raider Marching Band, Nutley Police and Fire Departments, Belleville Police and Fire Departments and Nutley Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Squad.