Thousands Expected at New Providence Fourth of July Celebration

Between 5,000 and 6,000 community members are expected to hit South Street Wednesday evening for the annual New Providence Independence Day Celebration.

Beginning at 7 p.m. between Springfield Avenue and Gales Drive, there will be plenty of activities for the whole family. Fireworks will shoot off at 9:30 p.m. and residents can set up lawn chairs and blankets on South Street to watch the sparks fly.

“Primarily due to the fact that it’s really a community event sponsored by the New Providence Business and Professional Association, it’s sort of the businesses’ way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community for supporting them throughout the year,” says Ted Kapuscinski, of Kapuscinski Luongo Architects in New Providence, who organized the event this year. “This year, as in the past four years, Investors Bank is our prime sponsor. They’ve come to the table as the major donor for this effort.”

Once again, DJ John Souren of Club Souren will provide entertainment from his perch on the NP Fuel “Jets” Truck, Kapuscinski said. Juggler Will Shaw will be walking up and down South Street to entertain everyone and “Chalk on South” will be featured again. Kids of all ages can get a free “bucket” of chalk to create art and messages on the street.

“It’s pretty much the same program as we had last year. Will Shaw is a very popular guy and entertains the kids. Last year, we also had ‘Chalk on South.’ It was a hit for the last couple of years,” Kapuscinski said. “It was really fun; they loved doing it. Last year was phenomenal. We ran out of chalk. This year, we’re bracing for more kids.” 

If there’s inclement weather, the celebration will be moved to Friday, July 5 at the same time and place. Kapuscinski said a determination will be made Wednesday by 3 p.m. and published on the borough’s website, newprov.org.

For any residents driving to this event, parking is available along residential roads as well as most municipal and business lots surrounding South Street, including the New Providence Community Pool parking lot and the Adam’s Fine Clothing parking lot. 

Despite signs posted at the Village Shopping Center, restricting parking to customers only, Kapuscinski says residents will be able to park there Wednesday evening.

“That was a little bit of an issue a week ago but Doug Marvin, who is the borough administrator, contacted the new owners and asked for permission, and they said it is OK [for residents to park there on Wednesday, July 3].” 

New Providence Business and Professional Association is presenting this event. Additional sponsors include DJ Club Souren, Kapuscinski Luongo Architects, KJS Design & Technology, LLC, Martial Arts for Life, NP Fuel, Strawberry Fields, and the Downtown Improvement District.