The Annual Fire Department 4th Of July Celebration Is Back In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — The traditional Chatham Fourth of July Parade and fireworks display will return for all to enjoy after two years of Covid-19 safe "drive-by" parades.

The details for the celebration were announced on Friday by Corey Duren, parade chairman for the Chatham Fire Department Association's 68th Independence Day Celebration.

On July 4, the Mayor and Council will raise the flag and inspect the fire department at the Borough Firehouse at 9:15 a.m. The parade will start at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Main Street at 10:30 a.m. and will proceed down Main Street to Chatham Middle School.

The Chatham Borough Police Department has announced that Main Street will be closed from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the parade, and the public is advised to plan alternate routes to avoid delays.

The Fourth of July Parade will happen rain or shine, officials said.

The 2022 Parade Grand Marshal will be Glenn Atchison, owner of Glenn's Automotive & Towing in Chatham. Atchison is being recognized for his many years of service to the Chatham Borough Fire Department's "vehicle extrication and training exercises."

On July 4 the fireworks will be held at the Chatham Middle School Field. The fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m., or when it becomes dark, at 480 Main Street in Chatham Borough. The gates will open at 7 p.m., and the public is invited to enjoy musical entertainment by New Jersey's premier vintage rock and soul band, The Star Band, prior to the fireworks.

Chatham Borough Fire Marshal, Walter Nugent, reminds all spectators that “any types of fireworks or sparklers are illegal and strictly forbidden from the school grounds” and cautions the public that “violators will be ejected and subject to arrest.”