After a two-year hiatus, Montclair celebrated the Fourth of July with its annual parade on Monday, July 4.

This year, for the first time, the parade had two grand marshals leading the procession — Toni’s Kitchen and the Human Needs Food Pantry, two organizations established in 1982 that are dedicated to ending food insecurity in Montclair and surrounding communities.

The parade will also be dedicated to Al Pelham, a pillar in the Montclair community who died last August. Pelham, former president of the Montclair NAACP and the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation, spent decades fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. 

The parade was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

— PHOTOS BY JULIAN MACHADO RIGG

John Moiey, 58, poses in front of the Montclair Community Farms "mobile stand." The farm has been attending the parade for the last 10 years. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
John Moiey, 58, poses in front of the Montclair Community Farms “mobile stand.” The farm has been attending the parade for the last 10 years.
The Franlinger String Band waits for the parade to commence. The band has been a part of the July 4th celebrations for the past two decades.
The Franlinger String Band waits for the parade to commence. The band has been a part of the July 4th celebrations for the past two decades.
Montclair Police Department officers lead at the front of the parade.
Montclair Police Department officers lead at the front of the parade.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Ave. to start of the parade.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Avenue to start of the parade.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Ave. to start of the parade.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Avenue to start of the parade.
Two children run to pick up candy thrown by drivers.
Two children run to pick up candy thrown by drivers.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Ave. to start of the parade.
Historical vehicles drive down Bloomfield Avenue to start of the parade.
Musicians in the Franlinger String Band march down Bloomfield Ave.
Musicians in the Franlinger String Band march down Bloomfield Avenue.
Montclair City Council members join the procession down Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair City Council members join the procession down Bloomfield Avenue.
Supporters of congresswoman Mikie Sherrill's re-election campaign walk down Bloomfield Avenue. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
Supporters of congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s re-election campaign walk down Bloomfield Avenue.
Montclair's Republican Club in the parade. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
Montclair’s Republican Club in the parade.
A man watches the parade procession down Bloomfield Ave.
A man watches the parade procession down Bloomfield Avenue.
Ruth Frankel, 87, watches the parade procession down Bloomfield Avenue. Frankel has attended the parade almost every year for the last 19 years. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
Ruth Frankel, 87, watches the parade procession down Bloomfield Avenue. Frankel has attended the parade almost every year for the last 19 years.
A woman hangs out the window of a vehicle belonging to the Essex County Recreational Complex. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
A woman hangs out the window of a vehicle belonging to Essex County Recreation.
Members of the Essex County "Cops 4 Kids" carry an American flag down Bloomfield Avenue.
Members of the Essex County “Cops 4 Kids” carry an American flag down Bloomfield Avenue.
The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps march in the parade procession.
The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps march in the parade procession.
The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps march in the parade procession.
The Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps march in the parade procession.
A member of the Caporales San Simon, a dance troupe, dance down Midland Ave.
A member of the Caporales San Simon, a dance troupe, dance down Midland Avenue.
Players from the Montclair Cobras football team stand atop a parade float.
Players from the Montclair Cobras football team stand atop a parade float.
Members of the Caporales San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Ave.
San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Avenue.
Members of the Caporales San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Ave.
Members of the Caporales San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Avenue.
Members of the Caporales San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Ave.
Members of the Caporales San Simon dance troupe dance down Midland Avenue.
A member of the Caporales San Simon has her costume fixed on the sidewalk while a boy holds an American flag in the background during the Independence Day parade. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
A member of the Caporales San Simon has her costume fixed on the sidewalk while a boy holds an American flag in the background during the Independence Day parade.
Children shoot water guns off of the Applegate Farm parade float on Midland Avenue. JULIAN MACHADO RIGG
Children shoot water guns off of the Applegate Farm parade float on Midland Avenue.

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