JULY 2, 2015 LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015, 2:26 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Others might claim the title as the county’s oldest or longest running parade, but Ridgewood’s day-long Independence Day celebration might be unmatched in pageantry and spectacle.
That notion is unlikely to change this Saturday, the 105th installation of the village’s Fourth of July festivities.
This year, the Fourth of July Parade – the crown jewel of the celebration – will pay homage to the innovation and ingenuity that became the cornerstone of the country. Much of the parade’s procession will be designed and decked out in garb observing the “American Innovation” theme.
Selecting the parade theme and planning for the event, according to Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee member Tara Masterson, is a lengthy task that begins in September.
“One of our first tasks is to identify a theme, which is a collaborative effort of the entire committee,” Masterson said. “This year, we chose American Innovation to celebrate innovators in our community, New Jersey and throughout the history of America. Each of the six elementary schools will be creating floats that will display various aspects of American Innovation.”
The Fourth of July Committee’s website further describes the theme selection: “On July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed, a new nation was invented where with hard work and determination anyone can attain their dreams. Since then, America has seen many great minds that have developed innovations we use in our everyday lives. This year we will be celebrating the innovators and innovations that America has seen throughout its great history.”