Fireworks, Food and More Planned for Fourth of July

While Scotch Plains and Fanwood don't hold official Independence Day celebrations, there's plenty of festivities to enjoy in neighboring towns if you're looking for something to do.

Here's a rundown of the events:

On Friday, July 3:

• New Providence will be held downtown starting at 9:3o p.m. South Street will be closed to traffic starting at 8 p.m., from Springfield Avenue to Gales Drive.

On Saturday, July 4:

• North Plainfield will host its Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m. The parade, which features several Scotch Plains and Fanwood groups, starts at North Plainfield High School and runs down Greenbrook Road, ending at the North Plainfield Community Center on Clinton Avenue.
• Plainfield's Fourth of July parade will begin at 10 a.m. on East Front Street and Johnston Avenue.
• Clark will host Independence Day festivities on the lawn of its municipal building, 430 Westfield Ave., from 4-8 p.m. Rides, food and a DJ are among the attractions. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., across the street at the high school.
• Cranford will start its July 4 celebration with canoe races at the Canoe Club at 8 a.m. The Firecracker Fun Run at Nomahegan Park on Springfield Avenue will follow at 9 a.m., with a bicycle-decorating contest at 1:30 p.m., an egg toss at 2 p.m. and races at 2:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin around dusk in the park.
• Mountainside's Fourth of July fireworks are scheduled 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, 300 Central Ave.
• Roselle Park will kick off the Fourth of July with a carnival at noon in front of the high school on West Webster Avenue. Fireworks will be held at the high school athletic fields later, at 9:15 p.m.
• Former Mayor and current District 22 Assembly Candidate Martin Marks will host a reading of the Declaration of Independence in Brookside Park in Scotch Plains at 1 p.m. A DJ, food, games and more will round out the day. Admission is $20.
• Springfield will host two concerts in Meisel Avenue Park starting at 5 p.m. The 1960s pop band 1910 Fruitgum Company will perform at 7:30 p.m., followed by Terry Sylvester, former member of the Hollies. There will also be food, a petting zoo, pony rides, a trackless train and other amusements. Fireworks begin at dusk. Admission is $5, free for those younger than age 2.
• Summit will honor Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony at Soldiers' Memorial Field on Ashland Road at 9:45 a.m. Other activities will include rides, games, a bicycle-decorating contest, Polka Dot children's performance, the annual Emergency Services softball game and music by the Summit Stompers Dixieland All Stars. The Party Dolls Show and Dance Band will perform at 7:45 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. 

Are you doing something special on your own for Independence Day? Share your stories and photos with us! E-mail them to lindsay@patch.com.