The Weekender: Fourth of July

Celebrate the 4th in style this Sunday in Taylor Park. The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. and continue well into the night. Festivities commence with the raising of the flag at 9 a.m. and continues with the bike, trike, and stroller parade where children will decorate their vehicles patriotically for the chance to win prizes. After, there will be competitions in lacrosse, baseball, and softball followed by rides (including a water slide, slip and slide, Tigger bounce, a rock wall, bungee jumping, train trolley and more), games, and refreshments at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fireworks start around 9 pm. at the high school with music, refreshments, and more. The gates open at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the day are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the event. For fireworks only, tickets are $5 and can be bought at the gates. Go to here for more information and a complete scchedule.

Want to celebrate your fourth in a less conventional way? The South Mountain Conservancy will be sponsoring a hike Sunday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All participants should meet at the Tulip Springs off of South Orange Avenue. Hikers will be walking north along the Rahway to the Orange Reservoir. Participants should be sure to bring their own water.

Want to celebrate the fourth outside of Millburn or maybe by running a 5k? There will be a full day of fun for the entire family at Maplewood's Memorial Park Sunday including fireworks, circus, music, a 5k run, sculpture building, food eating contests and more. The fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Tags are required for admission to the events and can be purchased for $10 at various locations around Maplewood and at Memorial Park on the day of events. For more information about the day and the run, visit here.

The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey's Outdoor Stage will be putting on "The Servant of Two Masters" until Aug. 1. The play, a "zanny commedia masterpiece" follows Truffaldino in his various hijinks. The play will be staged in the Greek-style amphitheater at The College of Saint Elizabeth. Tickets can be purcahsed here for 8:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7:15 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $32 (though student pricing is available) and play-goers can bring picnics to enjoy while watching the show. Arrive early to ensure a good spot.