Maplewood Fireworks, Independence Day Event Returns For 2017

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — One of Essex County’s best fireworks shows and Independence Day celebrations is returning to Maplewood for 2017.

The Maplewood Fourth Of July 2017 event on Tuesday, July 4 will include a Light Show Spectacular at 9:25 p.m. followed by a fireworks launch. But that’s not all… the all-day event will also include:

• Live Music – All-day on two concert stages
• Opening Ceremony – South Field Main Stage, 9 a.m.
• Car Show – 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Baking Contest – Winners announced at 11 a.m.
• Circus – At the North Field, at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.
• Food Court – All-day starting at 11 a.m.

Other activities include an Ice Cream Eating Contest, Robotics Expo, Talent Show, Face Painting, Henna Tattooing, Caricaturist, Balloon Art, Pet Show, Acrobats, Costumed Characters, Amusements and Carnival Games.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Maplewood Facebook page here.

Here’s how the July 4th Committee of the Maplewood Civic Association describes this year's event:

“July Fourth in Maplewood, over a century ago, was celebrated with a town-wide picnic, a keynote speaker (usually a politician), athletic contests and barbecues. Citizens, generally in groupings by neighborhood, made their way to the picnic grounds. Informal processions gradually turned into elaborate parades with costumes and bands, becoming fierce (and expensive) competitions between neighborhoods. The July Fourth Committee was formed to unite the township activities. Eventually the Maplewood Civic Association was organized, encompassing the Committee and dedicated to a tradition of family-oriented July Fourth celebrations.”

The committee continued:

“A reasonably priced tag per person gets you entree to the entire day of activities, including the Circus. Tags are available at the Town Hall Clerk’s Office, the Maplewood Memorial Libraries (both Main and Hilton branches), the Recreation Dept. at Town Hall and DeHart Park, and at many local merchants. Tags also will be for sale on July 4th in Memorial Park and at Evening Event Entrance Gates.”

Tickets range from $12 to $36. Learn more about the event here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Flickr Commons