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Events to
Remember in
July
Milltown
4th of July
Parade
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Members of East Brunswick Cub Scout Pack 61
were among the many local organizations marching in
the annual Fourth of July Parade in Milltown Friday. |
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Last years Parade started in the morning and lasted until
well after dark, Milltown’s annual Fourth of July celebration
brought thousands of people to downtown Milltown.
"Every year no matter what’s going on, we have to
come here," said Nicole Carlton, a lifelong Milltown resident.
Officials estimated that between 10,000 and
15,000 people visited the borough.
"We doubled the population of Milltown," said
Russ Einebeinder, a member of the Fourth of July
committee.
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A juggler on stilts marches in the parade. |
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Daniela Gartner now lives in
Franklin Park but returns each year to celebrate with family.
"It’s a tradition. Everybody
comes," she said. "It’s where you see people you haven’t seen all
year."
The activities began with the
annual parade along Main Street at 10 a.m. Carnival games,
concessions and rides followed in the borough’s park.
Then, just after everything was
cleaned up, the evening entertainment began. The Fabulous Greaseband
performed for the crowd in a set that was followed by thunderous
umbrellas of sparkling light — the annual fireworks display.
However, the start of the fireworks display was delayed until after
10 p.m., causing some of those in attendance to leave and others to
become impatient. One organizer said the delay related to the fact
that the company hired to conduct the display had arrived at the
park more than two hours late.
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The Fralinger String Band, Philadelphia,
marches. |
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The morning parade along Main
Street included veterans, firefighters and rescue squad members from
communities such as Old Bridge, Red Bank, Perth Amboy, and, of
course, Milltown. The New Jersey National Guard was met with
applause as members drove by in camouflaged Humvees. Crowds five
rows deep in places cheered as they were entertained by bagpipers
and drummers in traditional Scottish kilts. Children clamored for
candy thrown from the vehicles.
But this year, ‘Mummers’ was
the word. Mummers band from Philadelphia, the Fralinger String Band,
grabbed the attention of onlookers with their flamboyant hot pink,
bright blue and gold sequined-covered garb complete with jester-like
hats with feathers. The band was organized in 1915 and the costumed
entertainers welcome in the New Year each year in Philadelphia.
The parade also included an
appearance by Miss New Jersey, USA and Miss Teen New Jersey.
Parade Committee Chairwoman
Diane Surace estimated that 40 to 50 organizations took part in the
parade this year, which is her sixth and final year as chairwoman.
She said there were 43 sponsors this year, and that the committee
raised slightly more than the $38,000 needed to pay for the
festivities. |
