Special Events Committee Approval Expected Next Week

With a few minor tweaks between now and next week, River Edge's Mayor and Council will be set to vote on the creation of a Special Events Committee to replace the Fourth of July Committee on a one-year trial basis.

The idea for the change was first floated around during the and since then has progressed where it was proposed that the new Committee would oversee not only the Fourth of July festivities such as the parade and festival but also the Volunteer Day, the Welcome Back Day in September, River Edge Day, the Memorial Day Parade, and the Veterans Day Parade.

"The Fourth of July Committee meetings is primarily myself, Councilwoman [Kathleen] Murphy and Bobbi [Conway]," Councilman Alphonse Bartelloni said. "Fourth of July, River Edge Day and the Welcome Back September concert are largely run by Bobbi."

The committee would not exceed 15 members, who would be nominated by the mayor and approved by the council. Also involved in the Committee would be two Council liaisons, similiar to the current Fourth of July Commitee, and Recreation Director Bobbi Conway, who would serve in an advisory capacity.

A separate trust account would be created as well for any funds raised from the borough events. Currently, all Special Events and Fourth of July funding is funneled into the Recreation Commission's dedicated account.

The River Edge Run, Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Parade and the Holiday Lighting Ceremony would all still fall under the purview of the Recreation Commission.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Eamon Harbord at Eamon.Harbord@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.