Montclair’s 59th annual Independence Day Parade isn’t just going to rock because Baristanet and Barista Kids are part of it. The line-up for performances and entertainment includes everything from a Bolivian dance troupe to an organ that produces the “Happiest Music on Earth.” Will you be there? Click through the jump for descriptions; then tell us your July 4th plans in comments.
* The Fralinger String Band of Philadelphia Mummers fame. Earlier this year the Fralinger String Band won its seventh consecutive first prize in the annual Philadelphia Mummers New Year’s Day parade with the theme “Your Wish Is Our Command!” Spectators can expect another lively, colorful performance from the band in this year’s July 4th parade.
* The Wayne Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps – the world class Wayne Raiders are 10-time world semi-finalists and finalists in international competitions. They won best percussion and best general effect in 2005 in the divisional and world championships and in 2006 they won the Drum Corps International Bronze Medal. Their 2009 show is called “Isle of Hope” in honor of America’s recent political advancements.
* Bayonne Bridgemen Alumni drum and bugle corps – the Bridgemen are legendary in drum corps circles. As pioneers of pure entertainment in the mid 1970s, the Bayonne Bridgemen Drum and Bugle Corps enjoyed many successful seasons. Returning to the field in 2005, members of the Bridgemen Alumni Corps are once again entertaining crowds, including Montclair’s July 4th parade spectators.
* Corporales San Simon – This Bolivian dance group was first formed in November of 1978 in the city of Cochabamba. Historically the Caporales were foremen of the black slaves of the Bolivian hot zones of the Yungas in La Paz, Bolivia. The group made its first appearance in the Carnival of Oruro.
* Caporales dance is based on the rhythms of the saya, a form of Bolivian processional dance, but has been transformed with the addition of different kinds of foreign musical elements. The dancers wear clothing decorated with lots of color and sequins, reminiscent of the conquistadors.
* The Grand Master Band Organ – the uniquely designed, 10′ x 20′ Stinson organ will be part of this year’s parade procession. This is high quality, mechanical music instrument with wooden pipes performs “The Happiest Music on Earth.” It has a masterfully hand-crafted object d’art facade with animated characters, and a lively and full carnival organ sound.
* Cesar Rodney Brass Band – the 30-piece brass band hailing from Wilmington, Delaware was named for the one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence, who was also from that state. The band is composed of players ranging in age from 16 to 68 playing brass, woodwinds, and percussion, and with a color guard sporting the American and Delaware flags. The band is known for its “Armed Forces Medley” which salutes all branches of the US military, and for its original arrangement of the National Anthem.
Local favorites will also be in the 2009 line-up: the Montclair Community Band, St. Columcille United Gaelic Pipe Band, community groups and organizations will have floats and marchers, fire engines, antique cars, and much, much more in store.
With Obama in the White House will this year’s presentation be more of a celebration of the greatness of America or continue with the “grievance march” that drove me away 4 years ago?
This list is a start, but without all the “political” groups listed, I’ll just stay home and grill a burger and read the Declaration of Independence.
Because nothing says 4th of July like Blue Wave NJ and la leche League……
Yeah, funny that first amendment. Darn those free speechers and their crazy “liberty” ideas. Who do they think they are, marching and and gathering!
July 4th is all about totalitarianism in my book!
I think the weather will dictate that weekend for me.
If it’s going to be anything like today, I’m going to try and find a nice sunny beach to lay out on.
Since the day will be very hot, I suggest that Liz wear a bright orange bikini and be armed with one of those super water guns to cool the sweltering crowd.
And so relax, you make the common mistake of equating criticism with some sort of individual limit of free speech (not realizing that the First Amendment limits the GOV from curtailing speech, not an individual from limiting speech, thus a private company can tell an employee what to he or she can and cannot say while employed without violating his or her “rights.”)
Here, I an exercising MY right to not show up to the parade. And I offered my reasoning.
The town can invite whoever they like.
I don’t have to go.
And I can criticize.
With no “rights” violated.
NYC will be having the largest fireworks on the East Coast, and the best view is from NJ. My ideal 4th is a BBQ with friends, some horseshoes, drinking a bit excessive, and lighting from PA fireworks
One of the things I love most about the US is the celebration on the 4th, but honestly …. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade but this lineup sounds like Dante’s ninth circle:
1. The Mummers would do best, in my opinion, to remain mum.
2. The Raiders sound like the traditional sort of thing at these types of events. I’ll rename their theme “I’ll hope”, in recognition of those “political advances”.
3. I’m happy to see PAZ fronting a group, but why name it after come hoochiemama he is currently consorting with? Why else is he always posting from airports?
4. Color and sequins seem more like the Indians contribution — conquistadores contributed armor and steel. And “saya”? That sounds like a great name for my next grand daughter.
5. A band organ? Absolutely horrifying!
6. If it was Rodney Dangerfield, I’d go.
Now, the St. Columcille pipe band sounds great, but I’ll pass on the parade and catch up with them at Tierney’s.
No, I’m staying in that day. But i wish all theose who attend a great day.
Will B’net have a limo ths year (or was that another parade)?
We go every year, wouldn’t miss it! Last year my now 3 year old was thrilled that she got to see Gordon from Sesame Street, and Spider Man, and Cookie Monster came right up to her. She still talks about it. Fun time!
“Because nothing says 4th of July like Blue Wave NJ and la leche League……”
My favorite marcher is the bearded wonder and the multitude of yellow dogs cheering him to reelection. No wonder Montclair keeps getting it in the neck taxwise since everyone of the march approving yellow dog morons will be clapping and cheering. Besides all the Trenton and Congressional incumbent montebanks know that Montclair radlibs are all rich and stupid. Blue wave forever.
“Because nothing says 4th of July like Blue Wave NJ and la leche League……”All noble descendents of the Daniel Ortega El Salvador Love Society.
I especially look forward to the bearded wonder marching while the blue wave yellow dogs cheer him widely and plan to vote to reelect him. All the Trenton and Congressional montebanks know that Montclair is rich and will vote left no matter what. So we will continue to get it in the neck from the continually reelected chosen ones. Blue wave forever.
90% 0f all of the 4th of July celebrations are aimed at children, (as they should be) and when your children (or child) is age 24 and they have no interest in clowns & baloons – well…it’s just another holiday.
When I was growing up in Maplewood, I went to the circus they had every year. It was really fantastic with the high wire acts. Maplewood went nuts over the circus, until crowd control became an issue, and costs skyrocketed.
One year (2004?) we ventured over to Bloomfield’s festivties, but could not find any place to park, hugh turnout. We had no children with us & I felt like a lone parent, childless, waiting in line to see Santa.
I think i’ll go bowling. Lanes are empty on the 4th
MB2 and nephews having some thrills on Colorado’s Clear Creek, June 20th
Speak for yourself, Sandy.
For some of us, the 4th of July is quite different from the religious holidays, Labor Day or even the new “Presidents” day.
And to journey to any town’s celebration, kid or not, is about what attitude you bring to it.
That YOU felt out of place says more about you, than the holiday.
I would suggest a simple read of the Declaration of Independence.
If that cannot move you, then something is wrong.
I love the diversity of Montclair’s 4th of July parade and how it reflects many aspects of the town. Looks like this year’s will be a good one!