Toms River, NJ|News|
Italian Festival, Columbus Day Parade Filling Streets In Seaside Heights
The festival and 35th annual parade are celebrating Italian heritage.

My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. I cover Brick, Toms River, Manchester, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, and Lakewood and do my best to keep readers informed on what's happening in their towns. I have been with Patch full-time since July 2014 but have more than 35 years in journalism, including 20 years at the Asbury Park Press. I love sports and fishing (and yes, I bait my own hook); I was the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker for four years. I have lived at the Jersey Shore since August 1979, with the exception of my college years and an 18-month stint in Northern California. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
The festival and 35th annual parade are celebrating Italian heritage.

The event raises funds for a variety of causes.
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Businesses, organizations and residents who just want to have fun are invited to decorate their trunks and hand out candy to township kids.
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It's Jack-o-lantern season. See where to get the best pumpkins to light up your Halloween decor.
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It's Jack-o-lantern season. See where to get the best pumpkins to light up your Halloween decor.
It's Jack-o-lantern season. See where to get the best pumpkins to light up your Halloween decor.