Montclair cancels Fourth of July celebrations

By ERIN ROLL
roll@montclairlocal.news

Montclair will not have a Fourth of July celebration this year.

On Thursday, May 28, the Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee announced that the celebrations would be canceled with the ongoing restrictions on public gatherings due to COVID-19.

The announcement noted that New Jersey is in Phase 1 of reopening, which allows some low-risk activities with the appropriate safeguards. "A parade and a community picnic that typically draws thousands of participants from around the region do not match the criteria for Phase 1 activities. There is no timeline in place for the restoration of large public gatherings," committee officials said.

The committee said a virtual celebration was being planned, but did not provide details.

"We are deeply disappointed that we must cancel the July 4th celebrations, but in the interest of public safety and to protect the health and wellness of parade participants, we made the decision to call off the events," said committee spokesperson Donnie DiGeronimo. "Next year, we will continue the tradition with renewed spirit and celebrate with the Montclair community."

The committee made the decision in consultation with township officials, including Township Manager Timothy Stafford.

The annual celebrations in Montclair include a parade from Bloomfield Avenue to Edgemont Park, a barbecue, and fireworks at Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair State University.