Maplewood Memorial Day Parade: What You Need to Know

This article was originally posted on May 20.

Plans are being firmed up for the 2013 Maplewood Memorial Day Parade, one of the most important annual events in town. This is the first year that B. John Kaufman, local artist (and man behind the annual collaborative July 4th art project) and Commander of VFW Post 10120, is organizing the parade.

"I am trying to bring a little newness to the event," said Kaufman. "To that end, we will be joined this year by the South Orange Elks and the YMCA. a woman with an outstanding operatic voice, will sing God Bless America with the Cougar Marching Band and another number with the Glee Club. Willy Gartenlaub will perform her amazing version of Amazing Grace."

If your group is interested in marching, contact Kaufman ASAP at: bjohnk1@gmail.com or 973 762 2790.  

The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. and marchers should assemble by 8:15 a.m. at the Columbia High School student parking lot (across from Gleason's) on West Parker Ave.  The route goes north on West Parker, then left onto Maplewood Ave through town, left on Baker Street past Maplewood Middle School and then left on Valley, ending at Town Hall. The parade lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Groups using a car must make a special effort to be on time, said Kaufman. Also, to see the order of the march, check the Memorial Day Parade thread on Maplewood Online.

A ceremony honoring veterans who have died in service to their country will immediately follow the parade on the steps of Town Hall. The ceremony concludes with a roll call of VFW members who died in the past year and the placing of the wreath.

(The 15th Annual Kiwanis Rubber Duck Race takes place at the Oakview Bridge in Memorial Park after the ceremony at Town Hall concludes.)

A partial list of past marchers includes: veterans representing the Maplewood Committee for Servicemen and Servicewomen, the 1966 Bat Mobile, Township Committee members, scout troupes, groups representing Tuscan School and Clinton School, Maplewood Karate, the Maplewood Community Band, the Columbia High School Marching Band, the Maplewood Memorial Library, the SOM Adult School, the Maplewood Arts Council, the SO/M Interfaith Holocaust Remembrance Committee, South Mountain Peace Action, the Community Coalition on Race, the Maplewoodstock Committee, Maplewood Community Music, the Strollers, InterACT, the Rotary and Kiwanis, the First Aid Squad and the Fire Departments, and of course the Tin Man (4th of July Committee.)