One of the oldest Independence Day traditions in the country continues in Ridgefield Park

Anthony Johnson Image
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
One of the oldest Independence Day traditions continues in NJ
Each year, Ridgefield Park is home to one of the oldest Independence Day parades in the United States.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The spirt of the oldest Fourth of July parade in New Jersey was not dampened by the drenching rain that passed through Ridgefield Park Tuesday.

The parade dates back to 1894, which makes it one of the oldest Independence Day parades in the country.

"Everybody comes here from the surrounding towns. Considering it is such a small town, it is a pretty big parade," said Cheryl Prez, a resident of Ridgefield Park.

The festivities were temporarily delayed in Ridgefield Park, like they were in many parts of the Tri-State. But many people were still in attendance.

"I have missed one in my lifetime," Ed Alberque said. "In 80 years, I have missed one of these. It's meaningful to all of us."

The meaning behind the parade, to celebrate the birth of America, but also to celebrate the spirit of Ridgefield Park.

"We've been doing this our whole lives," Patricia Alberque said. "It's just a very special day for anybody from Ridgefield Park."

ALSO READ | Chestnut wins hot dog contest after weather delay; Sudo wins for women

nathans hot dog eating contest 2023 coney island
FILE - Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo pose with 63 and 40 hot dogs, respectively, after winning the 2022 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on Coney Island
Julia Nikhinson

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New York City news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.