O'Tooles' Donation Reinstates Memorial Day Parade

Cedar Grove will not miss out on its Memorial Day parade again this year thanks to the generosity of Mayor Bob O'Toole and his son, Sen. Kevin O'Toole, who have agreed to split the cost of the township's 4th of July fireworks, allowing the township to hold the parade as scheduled.

Budget constraints resulted in the cancelation of last year's parade for the first time ever, and the O'Tooles stepped up with a donation to preserve the fireworks ceremony. This year, with the economic outlook still murky, the council considered canceling again, and it was determined the township could not afford both the parade and fireworks.

"This year some councilmen voiced concerns about the cost, and we were thinking about cancelling it," the mayor said. "So I talked to my son again and he said sure, definitely if it would save the parade."

The Memorial Day parade costs the township approximately $5,000, not including police overtime, which Township Manager Tom Tucci said would cost an additional $6,500. The fireworks cost an estimated $7,000.

Tucci re-drew the parade route in an effort to curb police overtime costs, which resulted in a savings of more than $3,000.

The old route included a stretch on Route 23, which necessitated a larger police presence to direct traffic and ensure participants' safety. The new route will start at Cedar Grove High School, travel down Bowden Road to Little Falls Road, and will end at Community Park where a town picnic will be held.

"The route we're taking is less demanding of overtime for the police," O'Toole said.

Memorial Day is May 30 this year, and the parade is not only the kick-off to the summer season, but a tribute to the men and women who served their country.

"It's a remembrance for all those who sacrificed and paid the ultimate price, giving their lives for their country," Mayor O'Toole, himself a veteran of the Korean War, said. "And the fireworks are very important to me because it's a celebration of the birth of our nation. Both events have a lot of significance in my life."

The fireworks will be held on July 2 on the Cedar Grove High School football field.