Montclair ‘Caravan For Heroes’ Replaces July 4th Holiday Parade

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There won’t be an Independence Day holiday parade in Montclair in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. But in its place, a “caravan for heroes” has emerged.

Earlier this week, the Montclair Celebrates 4th of July committee announced that it is organizing a car caravan to honor front-line workers, community organizations and businesses that played a central role in helping Montclair throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

The caravan will take place on Saturday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. The route will begin at Lackawanna Plaza, and will wind its way through the streets of Montclair, ending at Glenfield Middle School, where last year's grand marshal of the canceled 4th of July parade, Dan Gill, will be recognized for his more than 50 years of service to the students of Montclair.

“Given the uncertainty of the past six months, we were unable to plan and fundraise for our traditional parade with all of its floats, bands and participants,” committee spokesperson Donato DiGeronimo said.

“But we hope that Montclarions will join us in showing their support for all those who helped get us through this challenging year with the Caravan for Heroes,” DiGeronimo added.

According to a statement from the committee:

"The Caravan for Heroes will feature antique cars, convertibles and other vehicles driven by members of the Montclair Celebrates 4th of July committee. For safety reasons, rather than join the procession, the public is asked to wave flags and cheer along the caravan route. Signs will be placed in front of organizations and businesses that were crucial in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, including Mountainside Hospital, Toni's Kitchen, Human Needs Food Pantry and the township police and fire departments."

“While we are disappointed that we had to cancel the annual parade, the Caravan for Heroes is our way of thanking all the front-line workers and to give the community a way to celebrate Independence Day,” DiGeronimo said.

• See related article: Montclair Cancels July 4th Celebration For Second Year In A Row
• See related article: 4th Of July Fireworks 2021 Near Montclair

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