Montclair's July 4th Celebrations

Montclair's 62nd annual Independence Day Parade promises a host of spectacular performances and live entertainment on Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 11 a.m. The parade route is 1.6 miles traveling west on Bloomfield Avenue to Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park where immediately following will be a family picnic.

The Montclair July 4th Fireworks display will take place at Yogi Berra Stadium on Montclair State University campus. Gates open at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available at the Carparc Diem deck, adjacent to Floyd Hall Arena. Overflow vehicles will be directed to other parking areas. (Please note: the Red Hawk Parking Deck will be closed.)

The Township’s 2012 Independence Day celebrations are once again made possible with the tireless efforts of the Montclair Celebrates Committee and the generosity of the local community.

Parade Highlights

Joining us again this year will be the Fralinger String Band of Philadelphia Mummers fame whose 2012 theme is "Stars Over Scotland". Their band of clans will venture across the Highlands of Scotland. Fralinger clan chief Captain D’Amore and his men show the world that the best way is the tartan way and the journey begins! A driving musical score features Scotland’s most acclaimed instrument, accompanied by an energetic and exciting 2012 production.

The Wayne Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps – the world class Wayne Raiders are 10-time world semi-finalists and finalists in international competitions. They won best percussion and best general effect in 2005 in the divisional and world championships and in 2006 they won the Drum Corps International Bronze Medal.

This year the Wayne Raiders bring you "Warped" – imagine coming out of a door onto a road that constantly changes your perspective of reality, so get ready to follow the Raiders on a WARPED journey to places unknown.

Caporales San Simon - This Bolivian dance group was first formed in November of 1978 in the city of Cochabamba. Historically the Caporales were foremen of the black slaves of the Bolivian hot zones of the Yungas in La Paz, Bolivia. The group made its first appearance in the Carnival of Oruro.

Caporales dance is based on the rhythms of the saya - a form of Bolivian processional dance - but has been transformed with the addition of different kinds of foreign musical elements. The dancers wear clothing decorated with lots of color and sequins, reminiscent of the conquistadors.

St. Columcille United Gaelic Band - The band draws its name from an Irish prince, warrior and scholar who became a priest to bring early Christianity to the Western Isles of Ireland and Scotland. St. Columcille remains a lasting symbol of the unity of the early Celtic peoples, particularly the Scots and the Irish. This award winning organization, whose stated mission is to "forward the music of the Gael," have performed at Montclair's Fourth of July parade for many years.

Local favorites will also be in the 2012 line-up such as the Montclair Community Band, community groups and organizations who will have floats and marchers, fire engines, antique cars, and much, much more in store, including everyone's favorite -- Elvis!

Grand Marshals 2012:

This year the Township will honor Retired Police Chief Ed Giblin and Retired Fire Chief John Gardner.

Ed Giblin
Ed Giblin is being honored for his many years and tireless efforts in making the Montclair community a safe place to live. Ed joined the Montclair Police force in 1952 after serving in the US Army. Many promotions followed – to detective in 1958, sergeant in 1965, lieutenant in 1969, captain in 1971 and Police Chief in 1977. In all, Ed devoted 41 years of service to the community.

Ed holds Montclair close to his heart and says that serving Montclair has been a true honor for him. Now Montclair will honor Ed for his many years of dedicated service to our community

John Gardner, Sr.
John Gardner, Sr. served more than three years as an Air Force bomber pilot during WWII. He went on to serve his country in the reserves for another 28 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. John joined the Montclair Fire Department in 1945. He nearly lost his life battling a blaze at Grunnings ice cream parlor, suffering severe smoke inhalation. John went on to serve the Montclair Fire Department for another 44 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1990.

Over the years, John was active in many organizations such as the Montclair Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, Catholic Youth Organization, Kiwanis Lions and the Rotary Club. He remains active in the Retired Officers Association and the State Fire Chiefs Association.

Montclair is proud to honor John for his tremendous work for the Township and selfless dedication to our country and our community.

Rain cancelation information:

In the event of rain, the parade will go on, the picnic in Edgemont Park and fireworks at Yogi Berra Stadium will be cancelled.

Rain cancellation/postponement announcements will be posted on the Montclair Township website (http://www.montclairnjusa.org) and on TV34. A rain information phone number will be available: 973-509-4914; alerts will be sent out to Montclair Events and Township Services (METS) alert system subscribers (http://mets.montclairnjusa.org/Subscribe.aspx).

For more information, visit http://www.montclairnjusa.org/july4th/index.html or contact Montclair Recreation & Cultural Affairs at 973-509-4915.