Meetings
- 7:30 pm
- 4th Monday of February through June
- The Fourth of July Citizen's Committee invites interested residents to join this committee to bring new ideas while keeping our tradition alive. The meeting dates for the 2026 parade are:
- Municipal Building
234 Main St
Court Room, Third Floor
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
Members
John Tymon, Chairman
"Ridgefield Park: the Only Place to be on the Fourth of July!"
Celebrating America's Birthday Since 1894!
Every Fourth of July, the Village of Ridgefield Park comes together to celebrate Independence Day with the oldest continuously running parade in the United States and the oldest in New Jersey.
Our Fourth of July Parade and Celebration, founded in 1894, brings together residents, families, organizations, and visitors from across the region for a day of community pride and patriotic celebration. This treasured tradition continues because of dedicated volunteers who help make it possible year after year.
Join Us in Keeping This Tradition Alive
The Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Citizens' Committee begins planning months in advance and welcomes volunteers to help with every aspect of the celebration. From parade coordination to event logistics, there are opportunities for everyone to contribute—whether you can offer a few hours or join the planning committee.
Local organizations, schools, churches, businesses, and families participate in the parade and activities. We invite groups from within our Village and beyond to join the celebration. Emergency service units work to ensure everyone's safety throughout the festivities.
During the celebration weekend, we recognize decorated homes and businesses with prizes for the most festive displays.
All are invited!
The Mayor and Village Commissioners invite you to be part of this historic celebration—whether you're marching in the parade, volunteering behind the scenes, decorating your home or business, or joining us as a spectator. This tradition thrives because our community shows up for each other.
Want to get involved?
Contact the Ridgefield Park Fourth of July Citizens' Committee to learn about volunteer opportunities, parade participation, or sponsorship.
There Are Two Contests Before the July 4th Celebration
- The Program Cover Art Contest opened to the students attending Ridgefield Park School system. Grades K through 6th in the odd year and 7th through 12th in the even year. The 1st place winning picture appears on the front cover, and the 2nd place winner appears on the inside of the program.
- The Home and Business Decorating Contest requires a registration form, which will be available on this website. Decorated Homes are judged by out-of-town judges in Most Patriotic, Attractive, Creative, and Original categories and an award for the Best Decorated Business.
The Celebration This Year Will Be on Saturday, July 4, 2026
Our day begins at 7:30 am at Euclid Avenue and Mt. Vernon Street with the reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Memorial Plaza, followed by the Flag Raising Ceremony by the Boy and Girl Scouts at 7:45 pm. At 8 am, the Fire Department and Emergency Units present their personnel and equipment for review.
- The Baby and Youth Parade, the first of two parades, begins at 9 am at Poplar Street and Euclid Avenue. If you wish to participate, please register ahead of time using the form found on this website. This parade consists of village and visiting children, who walk, ride in decorated carriages, elaborate floats or personally decorated bicycles. You will see red, white, blue and lots of patriotism on this day. Prizes are awarded, and a grand time is had by all.
- The Main Civic Parade steps off promptly at 11:30 at Preston Street and Hudson Avenue. A Grand Marshal, selected from our community, leads the parade. Fraternal and village organizations, youth and sporting associations, bands and visitors march with pride. Village residents and visitors have enjoyed this event for over a century. Thousands participate and even more enjoy this magnificent parade from the sidelines.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
