JULY 3, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
This weekend includes one of the highlights of my family’s year: the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade.
Though I am a resident of Waldwick, my family and neighbors have been attending the parade for as long as I can remember; my father was raised in Ridgewood. As such, he knew firsthand how great the parade was, and made sure that we attended.
In a day filled with celebrations, floats, barbecues and fireworks, some of the smaller aspects can get lost in the shuffle.
One of the most important parts of getting ready for the parade seems rather inconsequential, but is very necessary: the laying out of chairs.
My father recounted how he and his friends were amused in the late 70s when people felt the need to put their chairs out the night before; nowadays, people are known to do so two weeks in advance. As the popularity of the parade has grown, so too has the anticipation, causing people to lay out their chairs earlier and earlier.
Considering that my family and friends have been sitting in the same spot for as long as I can remember (across the street from Graydon, near the corner of Maple Avenue), putting out chairs has become an important part of our parade preparation. However, laying out the chairs is just the beginning.
By laying claim to the area with chairs, we are able to set up our inflatable Bud Light couch, which became rather well known. Politicians marching by have complimented it, with a particular highlight occurring when then-Gov. Christie Todd Whitman left the parade route to come over and admire the couch.
https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/a-tradition-of-reserving-spots-1.1367868
we should charge an extra collection fee for being put thru the collection process — again.
thats all well and good as long as they pick up when done. in the past I have people leave all the junk behind.
thanks mr godwin,av
Very Funny James…