Zombies March in Montclair's Fourth of July Parade

The 63rd Montclair Fourth of July Parade will feature football champions, Bolivian dancers, Elvis and zombies.  

That’s right, the walking dead.

The award-wining Fralinger String Band of Philadelphia Mummers return this year with their 2013 theme, "Back from the Dead." The zombie-themed act features a host of ghoulish characters giving a lively performance.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Bloomfield and South Fullerton avenues and travels 1.6 miles across Midland Avenue to Watchung Avenue and west on Valley Road before ending at Edgemont Park for a town picnic.

This year’s parade also has a bit of a sports theme. Grand marshals are Montclair Mounties Football Team, the undefeated 2012 NJISAA Football State Champions, and Wade Amadeo, football booster and ultimate Mountie. Deputy grand marshals will be Montclair High School’s boys and girls soccer and field hockey sectional champs.

Other featured acts include the Wayne Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps, St. Columquille's pipe and drum band, the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps, Caporales San Simon, a Bolivian dance group, and the St. Columcille United Gaelic Band. 

There will also be plenty of participation from community groups and organizations and, of course, Elvis.

Family Picnic in Edgemont Park 

The Montclair Arts Council has brought back an old tradition, hosting a family picnic at Edgemont Park after the parade.

Activities include face painting, sand art, a magician, plus Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam. Richard Reiter will lead a drum circle with audience participation for kids and grownups. Kennedy Grey & Luke Michura of Grey's Light, Guitaro 5000, The Michael Reitman Band with Jon Luks, The Greg Spinelli Pit Band and other acts will also perform.

Food options include a Hawaiian barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments, plus ice cream from Applegate Farm.

Arts, crafts and artisan display booths will round out the afternoon.

The picnic will be canceled in the event of rain.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Montclair Celebrates and the Township of Montclair will present a fireworks display at Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of Montclair State University. Gates open at 7 p.m.

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

If it rains, fireworks will be canceled. There will be no rain date. For fireworks cancellation information, call 973-509-4914.

For more information, visit Montclair Celebrates.