100 Years: Brookside Parade Returns To Mendham For 4th Of July

MENDHAM, NJ — The Brookside 4th of July Parade, also known as "the grandest little hometown parade in America," is one of Mendham's most iconic traditions and it's returning this year.

Each year, the Brookside Parade Committee selects a theme to commemorate, and this year, in honor of its 100th anniversary, the parade will honor the milestone and the 100th birthday of the Brookside Community Club.

"Just imagine that the Brookside Community Club began his long, and story journey a century ago, and has gone on to become the home to thousands of celebrations and millions of memories. So here we are at this momentous crossroad for a club that was given to the people of Mendham Township in 1923," the committee said.

On July 4, at 9 a.m., the parade route will begin at Tingley Road and end at the Community Club. Ellen Kiser Gordon and the Kiser family are this year's parade grand marshals.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the parade by entering a float, decorating their bikes, polishing their antique cars, or dressing their dogs in fun patriotic attire.

At 11 a.m. there will be a lunch at the Community Field Club, provided by the Mendham Rotary Club, Mendham Creamery and Brookside Engine Company.

At the end of the parade route, there will be a community celebration with activities for the entire family. Planned activities include a dunk tank, a pie eating contest and fun field games.

Because of the rainy weather in New Jersey this week, some residents have expressed concern about the parade's need for a rain date. There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

For ongoing updates about the parade, be sure to check out Brookside Parade on Facebook.