Hometown parades are something extraordinary. And Montclair's Fourth of July parade today was no exception.

After all, where else would you find your neighbors shooting each other with Silly String, or the township council members waving because they actually know you?

The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps marched in Montclair's 62nd annual Independence Day parade, as did Mayor Robert Jackson, Deputy Mayor Bob Russo, and former Mayor Jerry Fried.

And Melody Kettle's Hot From The Kettle won best float today—beating out a wide range of opponents.

Cute kids dressed in red, white and blue lined the streets with their parents, chasing candies thrown by those riding on the many colorful floats.

Rambunctious teens fired water guns at police officers while groups such as Bike&Walk Montclair distributed fridge magnets.

Take a look at the attached photos from today's parade. And, please, feel free to upload your own photos or email them to Shelley@patch.com.

(FYI: More photos will be uploaded as the day goes on so log onto Patch later today.)

And don't forget. Montclair's Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza will take place tonight at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Free parking will be available at the Carparc Diem deck, next to Floyd Hall Arena. Overflow vehicles will be directed to other parking areas. The Red Hawk Parking Deck will be closed.