PASCACK VALLEY—Despite temperatures topping 100 degrees on July 4th, hundreds of old and young Pascack Valley residents — many dressed in shades of red, white and blue — lined Grand Avenue, Kinderkamack Road, Park Avenue and Pascack Road to cheer on the Tri-Boro’s 250th Independence Day Parade and celebration.
The semiquincentennial parade spectacle started at Montvale’s firehouse on Memorial Drive, went down Grand Avenue in Montvale, turned right at Kinderkamack Road, right on Park Avenue, and then left onto Pascack Road, and ended near the (circa 1750s) Wortendyke Homestead in Park Ridge.
Near Our Lady of Mercy Church on Pascack Road, many weary and sweaty parade marchers headed for hydration and their parked vehicles, before attending a nearby barbecue and music-filled gathering at the Wortendyke house.
From 2 to 7 p.m., residents from Montvale, Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake were invited to cool off at the Old Mill Pool in Woodcliff Lake.
The parade featured floats, bands, vintage vehicles, emergency vehicles, marchers from assorted organizations, and historical figures, who marched the mile-plus route on a sizzling, sunny Saturday, leaving marchers heading for shade and water at the parade’s end.
Some parade participants included a town crier, who led the parade, the Statue of Liberty family, John Sebastian and Payday, a Clydesdale; various versions of the “all-American” sports car — the Chevy Corvette; Mayor Misciagna and the Park Ridge Council; county Commissioner Thomas Sullivan; District 39 State Senator Holly Schepisi; Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali; a combined band from Park Ridge and Montvale; Woodcliff Lake councilwoman Jennifer Margolis; one truck from the Park Ridge Fire Department; three trucks from the Montvale Fire Department; veterans from Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153; the Montvale championship robotics team; National Wrestling Champion Jo Jo Burke, and parents Joe & Jenn — all Park Ridge residents; Interstate Waste’s Oscar the Grouch sanitation truck; Tri-Boro Ambulance corps; a U.S. military truck; and police departments from all three towns.
Misciagna said he appointed Bob Oppelt and Robert Metzdorf to assist as local parade organizers.
Misciagna marched the entire parade route dressed in woolen garments as the country’s first president, George Washington. He said though he sought out shade by the parade’s end due to the heat, our nation’s first president dealt with severe weather too, hot and cold, and battled on throughout the Revolutionary War’s eight-year struggle.
Misciagna sat under a tree offering shade outside the historic Wortendyke Homestead, which was recently acquired by the borough for preservation. Misciagna said they have hired a restoration expert to examine the structure and determine how best to preserve and restore the home. In early 2026, Park Ridge secured a $232,000 Bergen County Open Space grant to help acquire and preserve the Wortendyke Homestead.
The mayor said that the traditional tri-cornered hat he wore was originally his father’s and he wore it with pride. “I’m just really happy to do this because I remember the Bicentennial (in 1976) very well and I feel a special connection wearing my dad’s hat that he wore for Hillsdale’s Bicentennial Parade and we saved it all this time.”
He said “Our towns here, everybody came out, it was a great event … It’s a true Tri-Boro event” and noted the key roles also played by Montvale and Woodcliff Lake in organizing the three-town semiquincentennial parade and celebration.
Woodcliff Lake councilor Jennifer Margolis, who marched in the parade, joined residents and paradegoers afterwards for a BBQ at the Wortendyke Homestead, a circa 1750s structure and possibly the county’s oldest Dutch stone house.
“It’s amazing to see communities come together across the state and across the nation. I think here in the Tri-Boro, we don’t always do enough things together. And I think it’s great to do it. We’re all small towns and we should be working together to create bigger and better events,” said Margolis, noting many donations were made by community businesses to support the 250th anniversary parade, barbecue, and tri-town pool party.
On July 4, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali took to Facebook. “What an amazing Independence Day parade celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary! It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, veterans, community groups, and neighbors come together to honor this historic milestone. Even with the high temperatures, the turnout was incredible, and the enthusiasm and patriotic spirit on display made the day truly special,” said Ghassali.
He added, “Thank you to everyone who marched, volunteered, organized, and lined the streets to cheer on the parade. Your participation helped make this a memorable celebration of our nation’s past, present, and future.”
Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo also posted good wishes. “Wishing America a happy 250 birthday! Thank you for the freedoms that you have given us! To our residents, enjoy the weekend festivities. Tomorrow the 250th (July 4) parade starts in Montvale and will end in Park Ridge. Then join our neighbors to celebrate our country’s founding at our town pool. Happy 4th everyone!” said Rendo.
Rendo’s borough recently hosted a World Cup viewing party at Woodcliff Park, a game where the U.S. beat Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance. Hillsdale also hosted a World Cup U.S. Men’s National Team watch party event at Beechwood Park where the U.S. team beat Australia 2-0. (The Americans recently lost to Belgium on July 6, 4-1, ending their World Cup quest.)
At the parade’s end, employees from HarBee Beekeeping handed out free honey samples for hungry paraders under a shady canopy, and explained how a former owner of the Wortendyke Homestead was a well-known beekeeper. They explained beekeeping as some friendly bees buzzed about near some hives being exhibited.
In addition, Pascack Historical Society members staffed an information table behind the Wortendyke house, offering historical pamphlets about the Pascack Valley, the Wortendyke Homestead, as well as the society’s popular newsletter, Relics – Summer 2026.
Kristin Beuscher, immediate past PHS president, and columnist of our weekly Back In Time feature, joined fellow PHS members at the information table. Beuscher’s lead article in Relics was aptly titled and most timely: “Celebrating the Fourth of July in the old days.” Find PHS membership information at https://pascackhistoricalsociety.org.
During the afternoon, some residents — and Pascack Press — received informal tours of the Wortendyke Homestead offered by Misciagna and councilor Michael Mintz, explaining the home’s history, its role during the Revolution, and former homeowners who helped preserve the home’s architecture and history.
Supporting the Tri-Boro’s 250th celebration were Dr. Pickle; Demarest Farms (Hillsdale); Whole Foods, (Woodcliff Lake); Shop-Rite (Hillsdale); and Flynn’s Delicatessen (Westwood).
Representatives from the Tri-Boro 250th celebration committee said they truly appreciated the strong local support from the business community, who served as a “wonderful partner” to the 250th Anniversary events. The committee especially thanked the Pascack Historical Society for providing a historical perspective on the Wortendyke Homestead and educating residents about the Pascack Valley’s history.
The committee added, “Thank you to all of our local police departments, fire departments, DPW, and emergency personnel for helping with traffic control, safety, and operations. Your professionalism, dedication, and support allowed everyone to enjoy a safe and memorable Tri-Boro Celebration. We are grateful for the important role you played in bringing our communities together.
They continued, “Thank you to all the participants, local organizations, schools, businesses, families, and residents who came out to celebrate and make the day such a wonderful reflection of our Tri-Boro Community.”
250th celebrated across Pascack Valley with home decorations, tote bags, lecture series
EMERSON celebrated America’s 250th with a Summer Kickoff Parade on June 13 and a Patriotic Home Front Decorating Contest. The contest winners will be recognized at the July 14 Borough Council meeting.
Mayor Danielle DiPaola announced that 91 Chestnut St. won for best nighttime display and 100 Lozier Ave. for best daytime display.
“The patriotism, the teamwork, and the incredible energy that everyone brought to the celebration truly showcased the spirit of our community,” DiPaola wrote on Facebook. “Seeing the faces of the children running around in their red, white, and blue with so much excitement brought joy to everyone who attended. Moments like these remind me why Emerson is such a special place to call home.”
DiPaola thanked volunteers with the Emerson Recreation Commission, Borough Council, donors, parade participants, the Department of Public Works, police, fire and ambulance personnel “who were the boots on the ground, the heart and soul of the celebration, pulling it together and keeping it safe. Here’s to a fantastic summer ahead!” she wrote.
HILLSDALE postponed its July 4 fireworks display at Stony Brook Swim Club because of the threat of severe storms. Mayor Michael Sheinfield said he was not aware of a rain date or alternate plans but noted additional America 250 activities may be held later this year.
MONTVALE, PARK RIDGE and WOODCLIFF LAKE joined forces for a Tri-Boro parade, barbecue and pool party celebrating the nation’s 250th.
RIVER VALE is marking America’s 250th with free summer movie nights at Upper Grove, across from the library. Films begin after dusk: “Annie” (2014), July 16; “An American Tail”, July 30; “Cars”, Aug. 6; “The Sandlot”, Aug. 20; and “Night at the Museum”, Sept. 3. Concessions are cash only; events are weather permitting. The township also is selling limited-edition River Vale Travel Totes for $40 at Town Hall, with proceeds supporting community social and cultural events.
THE TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON posted links on its website to more than two dozen area fireworks displays, and hosted its Rev 250 Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Memorial Field. The event featured a beer garden, drone show, live music, and food, including burgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks. See story and photos on page 20.
In WESTWOOD, America250 continues as a yearlong series of programs and initiatives commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Borough officials said the local effort aligns with Bergen250, Bergen County’s initiative marking the anniversary of the American Revolution.
Organizers also recognized Westwood educators Damon and Cynthia Affinito, who volunteered their time and expertise to create a six-part lecture series, “Celebrating the Semiquincentennial with Historical Speakers for Seniors,” in partnership with the borough’s Historic Preservation Commission.
The Westwood Heritage Society also plans to create special historical exhibits for display at the Westwood Train Station throughout the year. Funding for the lecture series has been provided in part by host organizations and through donations of time and talent.
Celebrate Westwood serves as the central information hub, with schedules, locations, registration information and updates available at CelebrateWestwood.org.
Additional information on borough-sponsored events is available at westwoodnj.gov.