LET’S CELEBRATE!
Bergen County lights up the sky in a big way this Fourth of July. As the nation builds toward America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s celebrations feel extra electric, with towns across the county going all out on fireworks, festivities and hometown pride. Here are some star-spangled spectacles to catch close to home: —JUNE 25: • Fair Lawn, Memorial Park: Family entertainment with live music, food and vendors begins at 5 p.m.; fireworks start shortly after dusk.
• Hackensack, Foschini Park: Stop by starting at 4 p.m. for food trucks and vendors followed by live music at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks show will commence around 9 p.m.
—JUNE 27: • Wyckoff, Memorial Field: The township’s centennial celebration includes music, a beer garden, food and fireworks display. Gates open at 6 p.m.
• Ridgefield Park, Overpeck Park: Bergen County’s annual Star-Spangled Spectacular begins at 2:30 p.m. with children’s activities, food trucks and a beer garden. Fireworks start at dusk.
—JUNE 29: • Edgewater, Veterans Field: Music, food trucks and family fun begin at 6 p.m.; fireworks start at approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Ridgewood, Veterans Field: Gates open at 6 p.m. for food trucks, live music and entertainment. Fireworks set off at 9:25 p.m.
—JULY 1: • Englewood, Dwight Morrow High School: The city’s entertainment and fireworks start around 7 p.m. —JULY 4: • Allendale, Crestwood Park: Daytime festival with food vendors, games and activities starts at 11 a.m.; fireworks start at 10:15 p.m.
• Tenafly, Tenafly High School: The borough’s annual Independence Day activities and fireworks event begins at 7:30 p.m. —JULY 9: • Mahwah, Ramapo College: A fireworks display will take place following the college’s Summer Concert Series, which starts at 7 p.m.
BERGEN DOES 250
We’re eagerly awaiting July 4 celebrations filled with eye-popping fireworks, local live music and cookout classics. Bergen County was at the heart of the struggle for American independence—for one thing, Fort Lee is where the Continental Army’s famous “Retreat to Victory” began, helping to cement our state’s role as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution.” Naturally, we’re making a historic fuss for America’s 250th birthday. Don’t miss these celebrations: • June 14. Bring the whole family to the Glen Rock Library lawn to take part in period-accurate colonial games. Try activities that kept people entertained in the 1700s—hoop rolling, marbles, etc. 1:30 p.m. • June 14. History comes alive when the Pascack Historical Society in Park Ridge hosts a lecture by “Abigail Adams,” played by historian and reenactor Carol Simon Levin. 2 p.m. • July 4. Before the fireworks, stop by Historic New Bridge Landing in
River Edge at 1 p.m. for a July 4th Walking Tour. Visitors can join the Bergen County Historical Society to see revolutionary battlegrounds in person. • July 11. The Revolution comes to the Hermitage in HoHo-Kus, where the living history organization Outwater’s Militia will reenact the time when General George Washington’s troops stayed at this historic site in 1778. Starts at 10 a.m. • July 29–Aug. 12. The traveling “Revolutionary Lives” exhibit is open at the Rutherford Public Library during regular hours, exploring how the conflict affected the lives of real New Jerseyans.
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PUPPY LOVE
Dog: Chili, a 3-year-old cockapoo Owners: Monica and Jonathan Schwartz of Woodcliff Lake This pooch was everything her people desired from day one. “We knew we wanted a red poodle or poodle mix, and we searched high and low for one,” says Monica. At last, they found Chili, who fit perfectly into the Schwartzes’ family. “We joke that she’s like a person!” says Monica. “She seems to genuinely understand everything you say, and has such an expressive face. Sometimes she even throws tantrums like a person—if she can’t reach something or get somewhere she wants to go, she does these little stomps with her front paws while she’s sitting.” Chili can be picky about eating vegetables, but she’s much more eager to try them if someone pretends to be eating them first. She’s also a globe-trotter—she loves the beach and takes trips to Miami; Monica reports that she and Jonathan “bring her everywhere with us.” And if they spend some time separated? “She literally squeals from excitement when she finally sees you again.” Do you want to see your pet in an upcoming issue? Email a photo and a brief description to Editor Rita Guarna at rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com. JUNE 2026
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