Montclair Cancels July 4th Parade, Picnic, Fireworks: Coronavirus

MONTCLAIR, NJ — For the first time in more than 100 years, Montclair’s annual 4th of July Celebration has been cancelled.

On Thursday, with restrictions on large public gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic still in place, the Montclair Celebrates committee announced this year’s event is a no-go. All planned public activities related to the holiday are part of the cancellation, including the parade and the community picnic at Edgemont Park.

The cancellation also includes the fireworks display that usually takes place at Yogi Berra Stadium, a township spokesperson said.

The volunteer committee is working on plans to recognize the holiday through a virtual presentation. This year’s grand marshal, Dan Gill, a teacher at Glenfield Middle School for 50 years, will be honored at next year’s parade.

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The decision was reached after a consultation with the township manager, organizers said.

“We are deeply disappointed that we must cancel the July 4th celebrations, but in the interest of public safety and to protect the health and wellness of the parade participants, we made the decision to call off the events, said Donnie DiGeronimo, spokesperson for the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee.

“Next year, we will continue the tradition with renewed spirit and celebrate with the Montclair community,” DiGeronimo said.

Organizers added:

“According to Governor Murphy’s multi-stage approach to lift restrictions on large public gatherings in light of challenges related to COVID-19, New Jersey is in Stage 1, with some low-risk activities allowed with appropriate safeguards. A parade and a community picnic that typically draws thousands of participants from around the region do not match the criteria for Stage 1 activities. There is no timeline in place for the restoration of large public gatherings.”

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