‘Alternative’ Drive-By Wave Parades Make Comeback In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Who doesn’t love parades, even wave and drive-by ones?

Chatham Township is hosting its drive-through parade on Sunday, July 4, with Chatham Borough’s “Alternative Parade” planned for Monday, July 5.

With the traditional parade and fireworks not happening this year in Chatham - like many communities - because of the last-minute adjustments of pandemic restrictions, The Chathams are still hosting their own special festivities with drive-by “wave” parades in both the township and borough.

Chatham Township’s Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, Rescue Squad and Green Village Fire Department, are coordinating drive-through parades in township neighborhoods, said President of the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, Richard Gentles.

“Since the parade and fireworks were cancelled, we all wanted to do something to show our holiday spirit,” Gentles said. “Residents, especially the kids, should listen for the sirens and come out to their front yard to say ‘hello.’”

Gentles said township kids should start hearing sirens in their neighborhoods anytime between 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, with several fire trucks out covering “as much of the township as possible.”

“We look forward to it,” Gentles said of the event.

Jeff Fricke, Chatham Fire Department Association’s Chief said three separate first responder motorcades are expected to also head out into the borough at about 10 a.m. on Monday, as they had in 2020. Check out the parade map here.

Before the parade, the Fire Department Association has planned its yearly flag-raising ceremony at Reasoner Park at 9:15 a.m.

“Residents on the parade route are encouraged to celebrate and honor borough first responders from your property line while maintaining social distancing guidelines and face coverings, where appropriate,” Fricke said.

“Residents who are not directly on the parade route are encouraged to walk to the nearest intersection to view the alternative parade,” Fricke suggested.

He said in 2022 Chatham Borough’s typical parade and fireworks are expected to return.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at jennifer.miller@patch.com.