Letter: Thanks From Ridgewood July 4th Committee

Thank You To ALL who took part in our 100th Anniversary Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration would like to thank our generous 2010 supporters. These businesses and individuals "Support the Tradition." Please thank them by giving them your support.

Founder—Charles and Susan Snyder.

Yankee Doodle Dandies: Applebee's, Miss Patti's School of Dance, The Valley Hospital, Yankee Propane.

Patriots: American Institute, Schulze Construction LLC, Tarvin Realtors.

Minutemen: The Barclays Golf Tournament; Law Offices of Matthew S. Rogers; Michel Mouravieff, D.M.D.; Ridgewood Fire Volunteer Association, Inc.; Ridgewood Press Printing & Copy Center; TD Bank; Terri O'Connor Realtors; TKL Marketing; Van Dyk Health Care.

Firecrackers: Coldwell Banker, Columbia Bank, Barbara and Steve Kiernan, Power Place, Ridgewood Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association, Ridgewood Patch, Ridgewood PBA, Venture Photography, Wolyniec Chiropractic Group.

Stars: Atlantic Stewardship Bank; Baumgart's Café; Country Pancake House; Daily Treat Restaurant; DWJ Television, Inc.; Fidelity Lodge; Home, James, LLC; David L. Rutherford, Attorney At Law; Ulrich, Inc.; C.C Van Emburgh.

Flag Wavers: American Legion Post 53, Custom Designers LLC, It's Greek to Me, Joan Groome, Hillman Electric & Lighting, Mike & Lisa Kender, Maple Eye Care, Samiha Mussad, Ridgewood Chapter #39 of the Order of the Eastern Star, V.F.W. Washington Elm Post No. 192, Wayne Auto Supply.

Special thanks to the many residents who responded to our "Dear Neighbor Letter."  We thank the close to 300 families that sent in their donations.

Much needed Parade Route Water Stations were coordinated by American Red Cross, Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Van Dyk Manor.

Food and Beverage Suppliers for the volunteer breakfast and dinner were the following businesses: Bagel Emporium, Goffle Brook Farm and Garden Center, Hot Bagels, Patty Cakes 'n More, West Side Bagels & Deli.

In addition to financial assistance, it takes the efforts and cooperation of many, many individuals, businesses and groups to produce our celebration.  Very special thanks to:

The Village of Ridgewood: Village Council, Village Manager's Office, Village Clerk's Office, Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, The Ridgewood Board of Education, and The Ridgewood Library

Our Flag Raising Ceremony was a success because of the efforts of the following people and groups: Ridgewood American Legion Post 53; National Anthem sung by Grace Preuninger; Trumpeter—Ridgewood High School Band, Matt Leung; Betsy Ross Rockettes—Miss Patti's School of Dance; Guest Speaker—Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche; NJ Heard's Brigade; and Congressman Scott Garrett, who brought a flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington, DC.

This year's parade theme was "100 Years of Supporting the Tradition." Our Grand Marshal was a float honoring all the volunteers who over the years have offered countless hours to provide us with a fabulous celebration.  Our special guests were the Ridgewood Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, celebrating 100 Years of scouting.

The committee thanks our Volunteer Ticket Vendors: Backyard Living; Daily Treat Restaurant; Goffle Brook Farm; Harding Wines & Spirits; Herold's Farm & Garden Center; Hillmann Electric; Hogan's Restaurant, Diner; Hoskins Propane Co. Inc.; JT's Wine and Spirits; La Strada Delicatessen; Ridgewood Auto Wash; Ridgewood Cycle Shop; The Wine Seller; Town & Country Apothecary and the volunteer members of H.I.L.T. and give Special Thanks to La Casita for selling our commemorative shirts.

Our Volunteers for the Day deserve our gratitude. They helped out as parade judges, parade marshals, parade announcer, banner carriers and the evening gate attendants.

Our evening entertainment included Illumination Twirlers; Dad's Night Band; Mayor Keith Killion; Skydivers, "Fallin' Angels," Sponsored by Tarvin Realtors; Miss Patti's School of Dance Betsy Ross Rockettes; The Manhattan Dolls and fireworks at dusk by July4Ever with a special sponsored by Applebee's.  The committee thanks Mike Janke for the fireworks flag and Lennie DelDuca for being our stage manager.

AND—finally—the biggest thanks of all to... The 15 dedicated committee members of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc. for whom the Fourth of July is a year-round event!

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee, Inc. is an all-volunteer group of patriotic citizens who coordinate the Ridgewood Fourth of July Flag Raising, Parade, and Fireworks events.  All aspects of the celebration, including the fireworks, parade bands, and evening performers, as well as the necessary police and fire personnel, are funded by the sale of fireworks tickets and the generous contributions made by local business and area residents.

The committee was formed in 1910 to create a "safe and sane" holiday with an emphasis on patriotism. Today we continue that goal and strive to educate the public of the true meaning of Independence Day.

For information please contact the committee at 201.602.1922 or www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org. or ridgewood4th@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Margie Downs

President

Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee