History of the Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Celebration
July 4th 2019 was the 125th anniversary of the Village of Ridgefield Park’s celebration of our Independence.
This celebration started in 1894 and the tradition has continued to this day. This sets us apart from so many other towns. We have one of the longest continuous running parades in the United States and the longest in New Jersey.
In the earlier days besides having parades, there were Track and Field Events, Tennis Tournaments, Fishing and Fly Casting Contests, Hole-in-One Golf Tournaments, Horseshoe Pitching contest, Trap Shooting Contests, Bowling Tournament, Community Singing, and Little League Championship game. Wow, how times have changed! Some things have changed, but never the enthusiastic spirit, dedication, and patriotism that is on display not just on July 4th, but throughout the year in this Village.
In more recent times we have added to our celebration an Art Contest for the program cover, which is open to Elementary and High School students in our school district, a Home and Business Decorating Contest, the Queen’s Court has expanded, the Baby and Youth Parade added a division so the out of town guests can participate in it, a bigger Civic Parade, and refreshments at the end of the parade.
The committee welcomes residents to join this citizen’s committee.