Fourth on the Third

The sunny side of the street had a sparse crowd Saturday as the annual July Fourth Parade kicked off on July 3.

There were no marching bands, but churches, steppers, community organizations, beauty queens, sports teams and others took part.

Politicians and dignitaries were plentiful in the line of march.

The Rev. Tracey L. Brown, pastor of Ruth Fellowship Ministries, former school board member and also a PMUA commissioner, served as grand marshal.

An enthusiastic bunch in green T-shirts represented Investors Savings Bank.

Youth soccer and baseball teams took part.

Many public safety vehicles could be seen. Fire Division mascot "Sparky" waved to the crowd.

The Plainfield Branch of the NAACP was represented.

A contingent of riders and their handsome steeds enlivened the parade.

The city's youth baseball team had a float.

Omega Psi Phi steppers wowed folks with their energetic moves.

The reviewing stand was down by the YWCA instead of the Park Madison plaza. Here is the emcee stand.

Colorful balloons delighted the eye.

Participants also included the Nation of Islam Mosque No. 80, the Independent United Order of Mechanics Western Hemisphere Inc. , Community Girl Scouts, the New Democrats, Maritza Boutique's Bolivian dancers, the Plainfield Board of Education, American Red Cross, Angels in Action, the Jersey Wolves and many others.

For today, I will be playing some John Philip Sousa marches at home and trying to stay cool.

--Bernice Paglia