Parades, parties, fireworks… The choices of patriotic fun are endless in our area for the Fourth of July in just two weeks.
Here are some local celebrations:
Montclair’s 65th annual Independence Day Parade promises a host of spectacular performances and live entertainment on Saturday, July 4. The parade begins at 11 am along a 1.6 mile route traveling west on Bloomfield Avenue to Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park, where the July 4th Family Picnic will be held. The Montclair July 4th Fireworks display will take place at Yogi Berra Stadium on Montclair State University campus. The stadium admission fee is $3 per person or $10 for a family, free for kids ages 5 and under. Gates open at 7 pm. Free parking will be available at the Carparc Diem deck, adjacent to Floyd Hall Arena and at the Red Hawk parking deck. Overflow vehicles will be directed to other parking areas. (Please note: concessions will be available; no outside food, water or other drinks may be brought into the stadium.)
The township of Bloomfield’s Independence Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4 at Foley field. Gates will open at Foley field at 5:30 pm. There will be free face painting, free balloon makers, free blow up rides, various food vendors and amusements (for nominal charges). Opening ceremonies begin at 7:30 pm and will entail opening remarks and presentation of a Service Award and Citizen of the Year Award. Live music by The Poor Man’s Opera will begin at 8 pm up until one of the best firework displays in Essex County at approximately 9:30 pm. The fee to get into Foley field is ages 6 -17 = $1. ages 18 and up are $2 each. Kids 5 and under and senior citizens are free. We ask that you arrive early to secure a seat. The bleachers will be open for seating and hold over 2000 spectators. Attendees will also be allowed to sit on the turf field on a blanket only, no folding chairs will be allowed on the track or the field. All food and drink must remain in the grass concession area or in the stands…no food or drink will be allowed on the track and field. No smoking or animals will be allowed within Foley Field (except officially marked service animals).
The Essex County Free Music Series and Fireworks Spectacular will take place on Wednesday, July 1, at 7:30 pm in Brookdale Park. Enjoy a free concert by “Simply Diamond,” a tribute to Neil Diamond, followed by the Fireworks Spectacular (Rain date is Thursday, July 2)
The annual fireworks celebration, sponsored by the communities of Caldwell, Essex Fells, North Caldwell, Roseland and West Caldwell will take place on Saturday, July 4 at 7 pm at James Caldwell High School Bonnel Field (265 Westville Ave, West Caldwell, NJ). DJ Dan Duca will provide entertainment for the event. Adults $3 / Kids 12 and under $1
Verona puts on its fireworks show a bit early on June 30 at the Upper Field at Verona High School (151 Fairview Avenue). DJ entertainment begins at 7 pm, fireworks go off at dusk.
West Orange hosts its annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4 at West Orange High School Athletic Complex (51 Conforti Avenue, West Orange, NJ). The “Lefty” Boland Fun Meet kicks it off at 6:30 pm. Following the meet is a live music concert and traditional fireworks display. Pony rides, snack bar, novelties, kiddie attractions and much more, all for free.
The debut of a new organization in town, AIM, ( Aging in Montclair) will be visible with the members marching ( well, maybe walking) to introduce the organization, an advocacy group for the Seniors in Montclair – Housing, transportation, communications- all issues that are going to be addressed. Seniors are invited to join the group as it goes by your ‘watching spot’ or cheer them on. AIM will be assembling between the African American Heritage Parade committee and Toni’s Kitchen in the 3rd Serial — near Union St and S. Fullerton starting at 10:45! WEsr white tops
and umbrellas -(rain or sun), carry water and enthusiasm.