Centennial July 4th Event to Honor Past

As the spring rapidly turns to summer, Ridgewood's 100th Independence Day celebration heats up its preparation.

President Margie Downs currently works with a committee of dedicated volunteers to properly honor the village's centennial Fourth of July Celebration and preserve the longtime legacy.

This year's slogan "100 Years of Supporting the Tradition" reflects on that past as does several aspects of the flag-raising ceremony, morning parade, evening musical performances, and fireworks.

"We wanted to recreate some of the first things and great things that have happened over the years," Downe said.

Thirteen little girls from Miss Patti's School of Dance in Midland Park will dress as little Betsy Rosses. Concurrently celebration its own 100th year anniversary, the Boys Scouts hope to parade 100 American flags down East Ridgewood Avenue.

Additionally, Downs is incorporating as many past parade marchers and organizers as possible into the centennial strut through town.

"We're trying to get people from parades past to march, and also family members of the original 1910 participants," she said.

Downs said the committee has consulted the first parade program—available at the Schoolhouse Museum—for ideas and participants.

The parade itself could get an even bigger boost if some St. Louis stallions pitch in. Parade organizers requested that the Budweiser Clydesdales join the 100th-year celebration. However, no official word is available.

In her most recent tenure, Downs has served as parade president since 2004. The lifelong resident also was president from 1991 to 1994 and has been active in planning since 1988.

Although she's witnessed astronaut Buzz Aldrin, New York Giant outfield Bobby Thompson and the skydiving team The Fallen Angels at past celebrations, Downs described her favorite moments as the quiet before the storm.

Helping with the flag-raising ceremony at Wilsey Square, Downes is escorted up West Ridgewood Avenue to the parade's start and happily waves to friends and supporters on her way to Woman's Club.

The parade itself starts at West Ridgewood Avenue near the Woman's Club. It travels south down Monroe Avenue, east over Godwin Avenue, winds past Wilsey Square and the train station before crossing under the bridge and heading up Broad Street. At East Ridgewood Avenue it heads through the central business district prior to a left at Maple Avenue and a final turn at Linwood Avenue.

This year, with July 4 falling on a Sunday, the festivities will be held on the official national holiday July 5. At 9 a.m. is the flag raising, followed by the 10 a.m. parade (rain or shine). Gates will open at 6 p.m. at Veterans Field for the evening entertainment, prior to the fireworks (July 6 rain date).

For more information on parade T-shirts, parade route, marching information or sponsorship forms, visit the group's Web site. Purchase tickets at one of the below locations for $5. Gate tickets will cost $10:

• Backyard Living
• Daily Treat
• Goffle Brook Farm
• Harding Wines and Spirits
• Herold's Farm & Garden Center—909 Prospect St., Glen Rock, 201-445-0069
• Hillmann Electric
• Hogan's Restaurant Diner—20 Central Ave. Midland Park, 201-445-2849
• Hoskins Propane
• JT's Wines and Spirits—607 N. Maple Ave., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-652-2220
• Lacrosse Unlimited of Ridgewood
• La Strada—231 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, 201-670-9233
• North Jersey Community Bank
• Ridgewood Auto Wash Co.—450 South Broad St., Glen Rock, 201-444-6037
• Ridgewood Cycle Shop
• The Wine Seller
• Town & Country Apothecary