Play Ball ,Ridgewood Baseball/Softball Association Opening Day

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Baseball & Softball Association (RBSA) held its 66th annual Opening Day Parade and Family Fun Day today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weather held and the parade started at 9 a.m. leaving the Ridgewood train station and heading down  East Ridgewood Avenue to Veterans Field. Grand Marshal Jim Griffith led the procession of over 1,000 players from the village’s youth baseball and softball teams . Opening ceremonies were held at Kasschau Band Shell, where Ridgewood High School senior Morgan Mastrangelo sang the national anthem.

New York Mets mascot Mr. Met made a special appearance and he was followed by a visit from the New Jersey Jackals mascot, Jack the Jackal.

Lots of food was available though gourmet  food trucks that were brought in . The lineup included the Mac Truck, Pizza Vita Brick Oven Pizza, Jersey Johnny’s Grill, Empanada Guy, Thai Elephant, the Taco truck, Waffles de Lys and Ben & Jerry’s.

As has been the custom in recent years many activities were available for children will including music, carnival games, face painting, spin art and a jumbo inflatable obstacle course and slide. In addition, Veterans Field will have a pavilion showcasing 40 vendors with a mix of unique wares and sports-related items.

Ridgewood Police shut down East Ridgewood, Maple Ave and Franklin Ave by 9am for the Baseball Parade for approximately 45 minutes. This in turn backed up NJT buses and caused a few delays for passengers.