A Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration
Glen Rock’s 86th Annual Independence Day Parade marched proudly through town this morning, bringing with it a wave of community pride, familiar faces, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue.
The parade kicked off at 9:30 AM from Glen Rock High School, winding its way through the heart of town before finishing at the municipal pool lot. Residents young and old lined the streets to cheer for hometown bands, scout troops, Civil War reenactors, and more. Leading the festivities were the Grand Marshals from the Thomas Egan VFW Post #850, recognized for their service to our country. Their selection was made possible with support from Suka Jewelry.
As floats rolled by and flags waved, volunteers from the Religious Communities of Glen Rock collected food and monetary donations to benefit the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and the Center for Food Action. It was a moment of celebration with purpose, and the generosity on display was unmistakable.
After the parade, The Glen Rock Inn kept the energy going with free hamburgers and hot dogs served from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Locals gathered on Rock Road to enjoy lunch, share stories, and soak in the sunshine. It was classic Glen Rock hospitality at its best.
The celebration actually began last night with the annual Pops Concert on the Borough Hall lawn. Originally scheduled for 7:30 PM, the concert was delayed until 8:00 PM due to passing rain showers, but the community turned out in force once the skies cleared. Music Director Anthony LaGruth led a stirring, family-friendly performance packed with patriotic favorites. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs stretched across the grass, and the evening capped off with applause, laughter, and gratitude.
Raffle tickets, which help fund the day’s festivities, were drawn during the concert. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Gino Rena, Kim Williams, and Paloma Sotomayer. The Glen Rock Independence Day Association, a volunteer-led group, organizes these events each year with support from the Borough of Glen Rock.
Want to get involved? The IDA Committee is already planning for next year and inviting new members to join.
For more photos, event details, or to get involved, visit glenrockida.org or glenrockpops.org.