Let’s Make it a Safe July 4th Celebration

Ridgewood’s 103rd annual Fourth of July Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2013.  The theme of this year’s celebration is "Honoring our Declaration of Independence."

Ridgewood’s celebration was founded in 1910 as a “safe and sane” way to celebrate Independence Day.  Today, as our celebration continues, the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee along with the Ridgewood Police Department, Ridgewood Fire Department and Ridgewood Emergency Services have some pointers to keep the spirit of safety that began so long ago.

Some things to consider when watching the fabulous Parade:

·         Wear sun block

·         Drink plenty of water

·         Consider ear plugs (some of those sirens are very loud!)

·         Please keep the roadways clear.

-        The streets are closed to traffic, but open to parade vehicles – some of which are very large and have poor visibility, especially turning corners.

Safety and security are always important when there are large crowds gathered.  The Ridgewood Police Department continues to assess and improve safety protocols for our Celebration.  Please remember that patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field for the Fireworks. Alcohol is not permitted.  There will be two lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags.  Delays are possible.  All gates will close at 9:00 PM.

And, while waiting for the equally fabulous Fireworks display:

·         Drink plenty of water

·         Consider ear plugs (some of the ‘booms’ are very loud!)

·         On Veterans Field, please keep the coned-off ‘aisles’ clear for emergency access

·         On Maple Avenue, please no seating – Police, Fire and EMS require open access from the field to the main streets for emergency vehicles.

At both events, please note that there are Police Officers and EMS Personnel located throughout the areas to assist you with any and all safety issues or concerns.

While the celebration is fun – we all keep safety as our number one priority.  One dangerous aspect of the day is the personal use of fireworks.  Please leave fireworks to the trained professionals, we are very lucky in Ridgewood to have an amazing display each year.  We hope you can join us with this priority in order to keep the “safe and sane” celebration continuing for years to come.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc., an all-volunteer community group. All aspects of the Celebration including fireworks, bands, evening performers, insurance, police and fire personnel, are funded by voluntary participation from businesses and individuals as well as the sale of tickets to our fireworks show.  The Committee is not part of the Village of Ridgewood government and receives no direct funding from the Village.

Additional information and answers to many of your questions can be found on the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration’s website at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org.  Please join with the Committee in 2013 as we once again "Support the Tradition!”