Community Corner

Guide: Fourth of July Festivities

An overview of this weekend's concerts, carnivals, and fireworks shows.

Scotch Plains and Fanwood don't host fireworks shows, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate Independence Day nearby. Here's your guide to the festivities in neighboring communities:

Sunday, July 4:

  • Clark: Fireworks at Arthur L. Johnson High School, dusk.
  • Cranford: Festival and fireworks. The day starts with the 31st annual Firecracker four-mile road race and one-mile fun run, taking place in Nomahegan Park at 8:30 a.m. The fun run kicks off on Park Drive and continues in the area near the park. The four mile race will start after the conclusion of the fun run on Springfield Avenue and head along the Boulevard in Kenilworth before headed back into Cranford on Orange Avenue and along the Belmont Avenue bike path before headed back into the park along Balmiere Parkway.  The late morning and afternoon features the annual canoe race at the Cranford Canoe Club on Springfield Avenue and other Rereation Department activities, including the a bike decorating contest. The fireworks will kick off at 9 p.m. in Nomohegan Park. There will be food stands and restrooms available in the park. Parking is available in Union County College across the street.
  • Elizabeth: Festival and fireworks at Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, 5 p.m.
  • Millburn-Short Hills: Festival and fireworks. Observances, games, music and festivities throughout town, starting at 9 a.m. Fireworks at Millburn High School, 9 p.m. Check out the interactive map of events here.
  • Montclair: Fireworks at Montclair State University's Yogi Berra Stadium, 9:30 p.m.
  • Mountainside: Fireworks at the Our Lady of Lourdes and Deerfield Schools, dusk.
  • Springfield: Live music, featuring the 1910 Fruitgum Company and the Toys, followed by fireworks. Doors are at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30. Meisel Avenue Park.
  • Union: Festival, including a soap box derby, and fireworks.The festival begins at 10 a.m., and live music begins at 7:30. Fireworks start at dusk. Biertuempfel Memorial Park.

Monday, July 5:

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  • Summit: Festival, including live music, and fireworks. The festival starts at 7:45 p.m., and the fireworks at 9:15. Soldiers Memorial Field.

All Weekend (July 2-5):

  • Roselle Park's 2010 Carnival, which includes rides, games, Fourth of July observances, and fireworks.

Macy's Fireworks Display NYC

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The best spots to watch the fireworks over the Hudson River include Weehawken and Hoboken. In Hoboken, Pier A and the waterfront along Hudson Street remain the best spots. Views from downtown Jersey City may be obstructed, particularly in the Paulus Hook neighborhood.

Train is the most recommended way to get to Hoboken. Residents wishing to watch the show can take NJ Transit to Newark and then switch to PATH headed towards the World Trade Center, switching in Journal Square for a train to Hoboken.

Residents are advised to head to the pier early as crowds fill up quickly. Food, water and soft drink stands are set up along the pier and on the waterfront.


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