N. Plainfield July 4 Parade Still Seeking Participants

Independence Day may only be a few days away, but it's not too late to get your local group in on planned festivities.

The North Plainfield Fourth of July Events Committee is still seeking area businesses, groups and organizations to participate in its Saturday morning parade.

Co-Chair Joe Irovando says this was the first year that North Plainfield extended the invitation to Scotch Plains and Fanwood, among several other towns, but that so far registration has been lagging.

"I talked to the mayor of Scotch Plains months ago and she put it on the town Web site, but so far signup hasn't been as good as I would've thought," Irovando said.

Two Scotch Plains groups are currently scheduled to appear in the parade: the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad and Evangel Church.

"But if someone wants to show up at 9 a.m. Saturday morning and be in the parade, registration will be in front of the high school. Just join the parade," Irovando said.

North Plainfield started its Fourth of July celebration in 2001. For years, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and other neighboring towns participated in the Plainfield parade. But little by little, towns dropped out.

Irovando said he decided last fall that it was time to pick up where Plainfield left off and invite other towns to join North Plainfield.

"I kept on saying that in order to make it bigger, we needed to open it up," he said.

Most New Jersey communities, facing tough economic times this year, have struggled to save their Fourth of July celebrations.

Summit, Cranford and New Providence all discussed canceling their festivities, but were also able to save them thanks to help from private sponsors and the county.

According to NJ.com, Rahway canceled its fireworks altogether because it thought the celebration would be insensitive to the six municipal employees that were laid off July 1.

North Plainfield faced a similar fate, but was rescued at the last minute by two local businesses.

"VIP Honda and Unity Bank really came through at the 11th hour and helped us go," Irovando said.

Irovando says he feels fortunate that North Plainfield's small festival will live on this year, and that he hopes people from all over will come out to appreciate it.

"Just seeing kids out there waving to the fire engine, or waving the American flag, that's what makes it worth it," he said.

The North Plainfield Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The parade route starts at North Plainfield High School and continues for 1 1/2 miles down Greenbrook Road, ending at the North Plainfield Community Center on Clinton Avenue.

Those interested in participating should arrive at least an hour beforehand to register.

For more information, call Joe Irovando at 908-757-8580.