Montclair 150: App, events announced for anniversary celebration
By Jaimie Julia Winters
winters@montclairlocal.news
With a multitude of events planned throughout the year to celebrate Montclair’s Sesquicentennial, the town is launching an app, Montclair 150, which will list a calendar of events. Montclair businesses are celebrating by offering special shopper discounts, which will also be listed on the app. The launch date is set for April 16.
“We wanted residents, organizations and businesses to have an easily accessible place to go for happenings in Montclair,” said BID Assistant Director Ann Marie Sekeres, the brainchild behind the app.
The festivities begin on April 15, the date Montclair became a township in 1868, with a re-enactment of the first council meeting by Glenfield students. The celebrations will end New Year’s Eve with a First Night like celebration.
On Sunday, April 15, residents are invited to attend the council meeting put on by middle school social studies teacher Dan Gill and his students, Students will also act as historical ambassadors and will be on hand to talk about the history of Montclair. The free event will conclude with cupcakes.
This year’s July 4 celebration will be a more elaborate event. The day will kick off with the traditional parade with this year’s theme taking the town back 150 years and the grand marshal being Montclair itself. The festival at Edgemont Park will include live music, food and more.
The year will end by bringing back a First Night event and a gala on New Year’s Eve. The night will offer satellite cultural and music events throughout town for all ages.
Other events include:
• The Montclair History Center’s taping of locals’ oral histories to be aired on TV 34.
• A historical fashion show with vintage clothing sponsored by the Business Improvement District.
• Music performances
• Historical programs and talks
• Vintage-styled selfie stations
The festivities are being organized with historical and cultural organizations and businesses.
Residents are encouraged to download the app to view upcoming events details. All organizations can submit events and programs to 150montclair@gmail.com.