GONNELLA CELEBRATES 57TH ANNUAL COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

Chicago, IL -- Gonnella Baking Company marked the celebration of Christopher Columbus's great discovery in 1492 during the 57th annual Columbus Day Parade. On Monday, October 12, Gonnella along with Academy Award winner Ernest Borgnine, members of the cast of Jersey Boys, and scores of other prominent Italian-Americans participated in the two-hour event that featured elaborate floats and marching bands. This year's parade theme was "Italian Americans Contribution to the Food Industry."

Gonnella has participated in the event for over 25 years and was featured on a float that re-created the Nina , one of the three fabled ships that departed from Spain on August 3, 1492.

As an Italian-American institution, Gonnella has been an active participant in the annual Columbus Day Parade as well as other events celebrating Italian heritage throughout Chicago. Tom Marcucci, Vice President of Marketing for Gonnella said, "We are truly honored to participate in such a wonderful event honoring the historic journey. We are proud of our Italian-American heritage and proud to be in the great city of Chicago."

The float carried long-time Gonnella employees Roy Duerig, Vicotria English, Joe Lauricella and their families through the streets of Chicago ending in a reception at Grant Park. The parade route was lined by thousands of celebrants, and was aired on ABC 7 Chicago.

Founded in 1886, the Gonnella Baking Company produces over three million pounds of product weekly at four Chicago area facilities. As a high quality supplier for the in-store bakery, food service industries and contract baking, Gonnella offers several product lines within the fresh baked, Baked Frozen and frozen dough categories. For more information contact Tom Marcucci, Vice President, 2006 West Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Telephone (312) 733-2020, Fax (312) 733-7670, Web site: www.gonnella.com.