Festivities on the Fourth, Close to Home

Fourth of July in South Orange is a celebratory way to keep the holiday local, low-cost, and fun.

Events begin with a 5K run through Maplewood to benefit the Columbia High School Cross Country team.  The run begins at 9:00 a.m.; pre-race registration and t-shirt pickup starts at 8:00 a.m in Maplewood's Memorial Park. Race day registration is $25; checks should be made out to CCIOT. For more information, click here.

Floods Hill is the place to be for a 9:30 a.m. Bicycle Rodeo, when members of the Parking Authority teach bike safety to kids.

At 11:30 a.m., the Village Parade begins on Meadowbrook Lane. Participants are invited to decorate scooters, strollers, bikes, and wagons and stroll along Floods Hill to the pool. Prizes will be awarded at 12:00 p.m. at Cameron Field for "Most Creative," "Most Patriotic," and "Zaniest."

From 1:00 until 4:00 p.m., the South Orange Seaport Society will display and demonstrate model boats at the Duck Pond. At the same time, the Hambone Kelly Banjo Band will take musical requests in the shade under the evergreens near the pool entrance.

Throughout the day, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., the Community Pool will be open to all South Orange residents. Those who don't have a Recreation & Cultural Affairs ID Badge, often known as a "pool pass," must bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill.

The pool concession will offer "All-American BBQ fare," including hot dogs and burgers.

Besides swimming and sunning, entertainment at the pool includes a clown from 12:30 until 3:30; a puppet show at 12:30 and 3:00; and a magic show at 1:30 and 2:30.

Spectators and players alike can revel in the all-American game with two baseball tournaments on the Fourth. Youth teams (15U) will play on Cameron Field, and the Cal Ripken tourney will continue on Meadowland Field 3.

Patch will have photographers on hand, but please send us the photos you take. We'll celebrate the Fourth together.

Happy Independence Day, South Orange!