Fireworks, Rides, More Planned for July 4

July 4 will be capped off with fireworks in Millburn-Short Hills, but there is a long day of activities leading up to the final event at Millburn High School.

The Fourth of July Committee, a group of about 20 volunteers, has activities planned that start as early as 9 a.m. in Taylor Park. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event for the entire program or $5 for just the fireworks.

Ed Langley, a committee member, said the committee was committed to do all that was possible to continue with the program this year because they knew the community wanted it.

"We put in the extra effort to maintain the traditional program," he said.

The money raised for the event, which is in its 65th year and doesn't receive funding from the township, is dependent on the weather because of ticket sales, although some money is also raised from donations from residents and businesses. The last two years there has been rain, so ticket sales were depressed and drew down reserves, Langley said.

This year several new sponsors stepped forward, most notably Investors Savings Bank, he said. If there is a good turnout for Saturday's events, the committee would break even, he said.

The events in Taylor Park start with a flag raising at 9 a.m. followed by the presentation of the Patriot Award to Jack Clemence and the bicycle, trike and stroller parade. Children are invited to decorate their mode of transportation with patriotic flare, and awards are given. Over 100 people are expected to participate.

At 11 a.m., the carnival of activities in the park kicks off. There are rides and animals, face painters. Morgan Rifle Co. will have a Revolutionary War encampment in the park.

There's also the annual watermelon eating contest, which will take place between 1 and 2 p.m., and the duck races in the West Branch of the Rahway River. People can buy a duck with a number on it for the race, and the ducks are raced whenever they reach 100 entries.

Gates open for the fireworks at 7 p.m. at Millburn High School, and the best spot to watch them is the football field. The fireworks show, produced by Vineland Firework, starts at about 9:30 p.m., and leading up to then Krazy Kat DJ will play music and people will have the opportunity to buy 50/50 raffle tickets.

Advanced tickets can be purchased at Millburn Deli, Bunchers Hardware, Futters Shoes, Millburn Recreation Department in Town Hall, Michael's Hair Salon, La Strada Pizza.