Independence Day Bash Comes Back to Brookside

In the weeks leading up to Independence Day, the annual July 4 celebration is the talk of the town. Posts on message boards, e-mails and chatter around the library and schools about a variety of topics. What is this year’s theme? Are there any changes to the lineup? Are there still going to be rides on the fire truck?

According to this year’s general chairperson Cecelia Donato, the has plans to get Mendham Township rockin’.

“The theme for the annual 4th of July Celebration this year is ‘Brookstock,’”Donato said. “And it is our version of the ‘Woodstock’ music festival with a patriotic twist.”

According to Donato, tradition will still be present but with a little tweak here and there to flow with the theme for 2012.

“Father Mike Drury will do the invocation, and then Nadine Jacobson will again be singing the National Anthem, both prior to the start of the parade,” Donato said. “ But this year, in keeping with our theme, we also have an electric guitar presentation of the National Anthem, to be performed by Cooper Hartmann. We know that will get people into a groovy 60s mood.”

As usual, the parade will include floats created by families, neighborhoods or businesses.

“Anyone who wants to be in the parade and is willing to put together a great float can,” Donato said. “And with this year's theme, it should be easy to sock it to everyone along the parade route with peace and love, and flower power.”

While parade chairperson, Evan "Buzzy" Thomas handles the hometown parade setup,  Joan O'Brien and her family are preparing for Bingo night, starting at 7 p.m. on the evening of the fourth.

Floats, firetrucks, and an appearance by Miss New Jersey Spirit 2012, Olivia Demattio are planned for this year’s celebration along with an enhanced music lineup. Beyond the returning favorites of year’s past, there will be two additional performers, Strictly 60s and Back to the Garden 1969,  who will be doing Woodstock tributes and 60s music. At the close of the parade there will be a concert at the Community Club Field from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m..

For the downtime in-between events the Rotary Club will be running their  lunch stand again.

“You'll be able to enjoy that grilled burger or hot dog without having to fire up your own grill.  Far out, right?” Donato said. “And no one should go thirsty as the will once again be providing beverages. But this year they are moving to the field to join in the fun and enjoy the concert.”

Field games are also being run by the Brewsters, so any restless children have a place to expend their energy while everyone else can still attend the concert, since the games happen at the lower Community Club field.” 

"As usual, we have many volunteers helping us out, such as the Knights of Columbus who always help with the parade line up, the Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts, who present the flag, and the Prestons, who will be running the breakfast concession stand,” Donato said. “And I am hoping everyone is as excited as we are and is able to attend.”

 
Questions about this year's celebration can be directed to General Chairperson, Cecelia Donato, at 973-543-2464, or the Parade Chairperson, Evan “Buzzy” Thomas at 973-543-1466.

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