Montclair will Celebrate July 4th with Parade and Picnic
**Marching bands, floats and community groups to march**
**Honorees include Lonnie Brandon and Pat Brechka, former Directors of Recreation and Cultural Affairs**
The Montclair July 4th celebrations are back, bigger and better than ever. The region’s largest Independence Day parade.
The parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, beginning at 11am. The town picnic will immediately follow the conclusion of the parade and will be held at Edgemont Park at 1pm.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring the July 4th parade and picnic back to Montclair,” said Donato DiGeronimo, Chairman of the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee. “Our community has weathered a dark storm and deserves this celebration. We are so happy to revive this beloved tradition.
The Grand Marshals
The Grand Marshals of the parade this year will be Lonnie Brandon and Pat Brechka, former Directors of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Few individuals have contributed as much to the lived experience and well-being of the people of Montclair. Lonnie and Pat enabled generations of Montclarions to participate in sports, summer programs, holiday festivals, health and fitness initiatives and countless activities and special events. Lonnie and Pat's vision and guiding spirit helped make Montclair's Independence Day celebrations the envy of the region. The rich culture of the Township was nurtured and invigorated by their dedication and decades long commitment to the community. We are so proud to honor them as Grand Marshals.
The Parade and Picnic
Parade participants are the heart and soul of the event. Marching bands, floats, antique cars, senior citizens, soccer kids, PTA parents, local businesses, veterans, bubble dancers and pranksters with squirt guns will all wind their way through the streets of the Township. Their expressions of creativity will meet the enthusiastic cheers of their neighbors and friends. It sums up the exactly what Montclair aspires to be: diverse and inclusive. Everyone's welcome.
The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. along a 1.6-mile route traveling west on Bloomfield Avenue, north on Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park, the site of the town picnic. The parade is a rain or shine event.
The community Picnic will begin at 1pm. Food trucks, music, games and activities will be on hand at the end of the parade route in Edgemont Park.
Our Sponsors
The Montclair July 4th parade is funded by the Township of Montclair Recreation and Cultural Affairs and through the generous donations of our sponsors. Every year, business, organizations and individuals step forward to help make this tradition possible. We are deeply grateful and sincerely thank them on behalf of the Montclair community.
For parade information:
Michele Cammarata
Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs
973-509-4915
[email protected]
For press inquiries:
Donato DiGeronimo
Chairman of the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee
973-809-9586
[email protected]