Fireworks Go Off Without A Hitch

The fireworks went off without a hitch Sunday night at a jam-packed Yogi Berra Stadium. Although some complained about the traffic, we parked at the train station and walked over. The fireworks lasted a solid 20 minutes and ended with a respectable finale. Well done Montclair!

Now, what happens next? From parades to Caribbean cocktails, we've got your list of the best ways to spend your time in Montclair–no matter what day of the week it is.

Monday, July 5   Let's Watch A Parade–A No-Brainer!

1) The Independence Day parade starts at 11 a.m. at Bloomfield and South Fullerton Avenues. Joining the parade this year will be the Philadelphia Mummers' Fralinger String Band, the Bridgemen Alumni drum and bugle corps, Wayne Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps, St. Columquille's pipe and drum band, Caesar Rodney Brass Band, and much, much more. The parade route is 1.6 miles traveling west on Bloomfield Avenue to Midland Avenue, continuing to Watchung Avenue, west to Valley Road and ending at Edgemont Park where immediately following will be a family picnic.

Tuesday, July 6   Let's Get Down To Business

2) Want to know what is going on with the town budget? Want to find out about the proposal for a Skatepark in Montclair? Attend the Town Council meeting at 8 p.m. in the first floor council chambers at 205 Claremont Avenue. This is your opportunity to see Mayor Jerry Fried and the council members in action. Here's the agenda.

Wednesday, July 7   Let's Start Reading

3) Watchung Booksellers has announced an Adult Summer Reading Contest. It's always about the kids, right? Not this time! They're having an adult summer reading contest and they're using the the honor system. Hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, or ebooks - all count so long as you've read the whole book. Who will read the most books this summer? Just keep a list of titles and authors - on the back of an old envelope or anything that reflects you. Ending date is September 7th. Bring in your list by Saturday, September 11th. Winners announced September 15th. Fabulous prizes!!!

Thursday, July 8   Let's Get Some Culture

4) The Montclair Art Museum's fantastic exhibit A Force for Change ends on July 25th so time is running out for those who have yet to see it.This is the first exhibition to explore the legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund, created in 1917 by the well known Chicago businessman and philanthropist. The Rosenwald Fund's Fellowship Program was designed to foster black leadership through the arts, literature, and scholarship. The exhibition presents the artistic products of Rosenwald's support and includes 60 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by 22 fellows.

Friday, July 9   Let's Go To The Tropics

5) Check out Cynthia Darling's article on Patch on the Bahama Breeze Island Grille in Wayne. Go with a few friends. Have a few frozen cocktails. You'll be transported to the Caribbean in no time.

Saturday, July 10   Let's Go Antiquing

6) From the Montclair Arts Council: Go antiquing. Start at the Montclair Antique Center at 34 Church Street, which features items from dozens of vendors who specialize in everything from art, jewelry, furniture, clothing, ethnic artifacts, and sports memorabilia. From there, visit American Sampler (American country antiques), Little Cricket (vintage goods), and the recently opened Montclair auction house, Nye & Company. If you dig Mid-Century Designs, you must stop in Edge.
A worthwhile stop in Upper Montclair is My Inheritance, which carries a hand-picked collection of vintage jewelry and accessories.

And there you have it! If you have ideas of your own, post a comment!