NJ's 'oldest and largest' Labor Day parade returns in South Plainfield
SOUTH PLAINFIELD – The borough is gearing up for its annual Labor Day festivities, which include a parade, race and fireworks.
The 63rd Annual Labor Day Parade − the state's oldest and largest – steps off at noon Monday, with a theme of "Parade Around The World." The event will honor achievements of worldwide cultures as it winds through the borough, according to the South Plainfield Public Celebrations Committee.
Many floats will highlight different countries and their traditions. Participating in the parade will be bands, stilt walkers, a unicyclist, juggler and antique vehicles as well as appearances from other special guests.
A longstanding tradition, the Labor Day Parade begins at the PAL building, following a route down Maple Avenue and concluding at the middle school. There is no rain date.
As Honorary Grand Marshal for the parade, the committee chose businesswoman and volunteer Darlene Tedesco-Cullen. The founder of Tapinto South Plainfield, Tedesco-Cullen served on the Borough Council from 1999-2001 and many boards and commissions.
Immediately after the parade, more festivities will commence at Veterans Park, 327 Elm St., behind the South Plainfield Senior Center. There will be music, food, drinks, desserts, games, arts and crafts and a variety of vendors. Fireworks will take place at 8:30 p.m. at Spring Lake Park.
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At the after-parade party, entertainment will be provided by DJ Troy and others. There will be an interactive Hula Show at 3 p.m. as well as roaming entertainers throughout the afternoon. Later at 7 p.m., DJ Troy will return and once again entertain those in Spring Lake Park awaiting the firework display. This year’s fireworks program will be provided by "Garden State Fireworks."
In addition, the borough will hold its 30th annual Labor Day 5K Race and 1.5 Mile Family Fitness Walk at South Plainfield Middle School, 2201 Plainfield Ave. Participants can run along the parade route right before it starts and parade spectators cheer on the runners. The race begins and ends on Lake Street next to the middle school. Both the 5K Race and Family Walk will begin at 11:30 a.m., depending on the parade marshals, with registration starting at 10:15 a.m.
The event is sponsored by the South Plainfield Alliance for Substance Awareness (SPASA) and the South Plainfield Education Foundation (SPEF) with support from The Club at Ricochet. The event is open to participants of all ages, with trophies and prizes awarded to the top finishers in a variety of age groups.
The hope for the annual event is to increase the number of participants in support of family togetherness and a positive drug-free, fun-filled fitness lifestyle.
Registration ends at 10:59 p.m. Sept. 4. The cost to participate is $20 plus a $3.25 sign-up fee for the race and $5 plus a $2.50 signup fee for the walk per person/family. Computer timing will be handled by Best Race Systems.
All proceeds from the race go to supporting the efforts of the SPASA and the SPEF.
To register for the race and/or walk, go torunsignup.com/Race/NJ/SouthPlainfield/5KLaborDayRace.
Parking for the parade is available on side streets and school parking lots.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: South Plainfield Labor Day Parade, 5K Race returns on Monday
