Montclair, NJ – If you moved to Montclair at the start of the pandemic, then you haven’t experienced a tradition that locals have loved for many, many years. That tradition returns Monday, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, with Montclair’s 4th of July Parade, one of the region’s largest Independence Day parades.

Grand Marshals are Toni’s Kitchen and the Human Needs Food Pantry; this year’s parade is dedicated to Al Pelham.

What makes Montclair’s parade so special?

Creative floats, vintage cars, incredible marching bands, enthusiastic participation from all community groups (many throwing candy to groups of enthusiastic kids), local activism, and of course, Montclair’s own Elvis. You’ll see your neighbors, councilors, local businesses, friends marching or sitting along sidewalks cheering. And if it’s really hot and you are marching, expect to get sprayed with water guns from kids along the way.

Montclair’s July 4th Parade starts at South Fullerton Avenue at 11 a.m., with crowds gathering all along Bloomfield Avenue and all the way up Midland Avenue to Watchung Avenue. The parade ends at Edgemont Park with a town picnic to follow at 1 p.m. There will be music, games and plenty to eat with food from Senor Tacos, Chef J Latin Dragon Catering Truck, Kurly Kurtosh, Footlongs, Pretty Girl Ices and Lulu’s Artisanal Lemonade.

Baristanet wishes you a wonderful July 4th. Here, with help from Montclair Public Library, we bring you a look at 4th of July parades in Montclair through the years.