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Dinosaur Dig - Day 4




No rain today but it was much cooler and windy which can be a little scary when a gust hits you while you are walking on the edge of the bone bed above a pretty steep and very long drop down to the bottom of the Valley. We drove out to the site in one truck today Since 2 members have left: Bill and TJ (TJ had something come up where he needed to leave) and Eva stayed behind to run some errands and do some other work. The ride out was much quieter and I missed our morning conversation. As I have said before Eva is really nice and is great engaging everyone in conversation. Today was really productive I found numerous fragments and four items were collected.
After Lunch Jerry and I helped place a cast, called a jacket on the skull of the Pachyrhinosaurs. First we wrapped the skull in wet paper towels. (I make a joke about how they should get sponsorship from Bounty - Something like: Bounty preferred by Palaeontologists worldwide) after that we mix a batch of plaster of paris then we dip strips of burlap into the plaster and wrap the skull with the plaster soaked burlap. This Jacket will protect the Skull when it is transported by helicopter out of the valley. The ride home is pretty quiet except for some music provided by Robin's ipod so I get a few much needed Z's.

Eva made dinner tonight we had pork tenderloin, basmati rice, and salad. all of the meals have been really enjoyable. for Breakfast we usually have cereal or oatmeal, for lunch we bring sandwiches, snacks, and some fruit. When we stop for lunch I eat and talk a little bit with whoever is working by area; today it is Robin, but mostly I take in breathtaking scenery of the Valley.
After dinner the students (Robin, Michael, and Derek) gave talks about there Masters Projects.

Robin and Michael are both doing projects on Ankylosaurs and Derek Project is on microsites (Sites that consist of small fragments) Their presentations are informative and provide a little more insight into what palaeontologist do with the bones they find and the questions they are trying to find answers to.

Dinosaur Dig - Day 3


Today was a little rainy and colder it is Bill's last day with us on the dig site he will be driving back home to Idaho stopping at some of the Dinosaur museums in Canada and Montana along the way. Today's digging did not yield to much for me just some fragments that were mapped and discarded however at the end of the day I came across a big mass of bone which I will start to uncover tomorrow.





Jerry uncovered a large rib today which will be collected and the team is making preparations to have four large Pachyarhinosaurus skulls airlifted out by helicopter they will weigh in total over 1500 lbs. I am learning more each day about how to dig and so much about the Dinosaurs of Canada.

Dr. Currie has given a talk tonight and even though an announcement about the talk went out only a short time ago the auditorium is almost full.
The talk is about the Dinosaurs of Canada, where they are found, and the museums that have them on exhibit. Digging for bones seems to be a local pastime in Grand Prairie with a lot of amateur paleontologists one man as come with an articulated vertebra but upon closer examination it appears that this is a mummified specimen showing the pattern of the skin.

Afterward most of the group goes to look at the Pachyrhinosaurs Skeleton on display at the college. I have gone back to go to my room but instead stop in and visit Eva we have a cup a tea and a nice chat she is very nice and a palaeobotanist. Eva will give a talk on Thursday evening.
After a while every one comes back and they are excited about the mummified Specimen.


Dinosaur Dig

Dinosaur Dig - Day One cont. and Day 2


When I arrived from Toronto in Edmonton the flight was delayed due to thunderstorms.
So I got something to eat. While I was waiting Eva came down to get me from the lounge I went up and met Phillip and another Grad Student named Steve from Phoneix everybody was really friendly and we got to know each over a drink while we waited for our filght to Grand Prairie. When we arrived at Grand Praire we drove to the college and we were greated with a special treat even though it was after 9:00 the sun was still out and there was a double rainbow (ne arching the outside of the other). We also met the other members of the team Michael and Derek, and Robin who are students of Dr. Currie Bill who has been my mentor for the last 2 days and Jim a recently retired BP employee. Our dorm rooms are really great pretty much they are like town houses and are a pleasant surprise.

Day2: The 1st day at the dig Site.
We all got together for breakfast this morning followed by a meeting where Philip and Eva gave a safety talk and explained what we should expect for the day. We received our dig kits which consisted of a Small Hammer some brushes an Awl, safety goggles, Gloves, and some dental tools for the finer work.
We drove out to the site entrance about 30 min from the school but the actual quarry is a 2 km hike from there, most of which was down some pretty steep loose cliffs. We make our way down using ropes so if we loose our footing we dont go tumbling down the side of the Mountain.


The quarry (dig site) is marked off every meter and the bed is about 7 or 8 meters. When we find a fossil it is mapped using a homemade grid that is made up of a 10X10cm squares the fossil location and orientation is then scetched on a paper grid for later reference. Everything is mapped, if the dinosaur that the fossil came from can be identified then they are tagged as well and brought back for later prep and study. I found numerous fossils fragments today but only one was tagged (a jawbone). If a fossil is too small to determine what it is from then the fossil is mapped and removed from the quarry. We dug till lunch with everyone finding some fossils including some troodon teeth.
After lunch we dug some more I put my fossil in a cast for transport out of the field at the end of the day.







Dinosaur Dig

Dinosaur Dig - Day One


Today is a travel day and I am in Toronto waiting for my connecting flight to Edmonton and then onto Grand Prairie.
I was able to take some pics from the plane of Niagara Falls and the Space Needle Kinda cool except the Falls look small from up here. Definitely a place to go for a road trip in a year or so when Z-girl is a little older and 6 or so hours in the car is doable. Tonight I will meet Phillip and Eva and see what I will be calling home for the next week I am excited and also a little sad to be without the family for the week but I am hopeful that the experience will be a worthwhile and memorable one. That’s it for now, tomorrow we dig for the bones of creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. I wonder why so many people put so much time in effort into discovering and researching dinosaurs. Is it to discover why and how they became extinct and somehow better understand our current environment or is it because Dinosaurs have always had some magical quality to them and as children we are drawn to discovering as much as we can about them. Their size alone makes them awesome yet these creatures have been the most successful living things on earth and then they were gone in a very short time.
Dinosaurs roamed the Earth for 165 million years, by comparison we have only existed for about 200,000 Years.
Check out Pictures from this trip:

Dinosaur Dig

Weekend Planner_July25


Saturday looks to be the better of the two days with Saturday Late evening having some thunder storms and sunny being partly cloudy. Below are some activities that you can do close to home, indoors or out. 2 Activities require a bit of a Drive but are still not more than 1 and 1/2 away from the GW Bridge
Newark Museum
Zookeeper's Corner Saturday, July 26, 3–4 pm
Discover fascinating facts about the rare and unusual animals in our Mini Zoo by taking a gallery tour with one of our expert zookeepers.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Clifton
weekly storytime July 26, 2008 11:00 AM
Clifton Commons 395 Route 3 East Clifton, NJ 07014
973-779-5500

New Jersey Childrens Museum
599 VALLEY HEALTH PLAZA
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY
(201) 262-5151
Ahoy mates! Step aboard the New Jersey Children’s Museum for a day of swashbuckling fun! Come hear some Pirate adventures during story time. Make a Pirate craft to take home during craft time. Get a tattoo painted during hand painting. And try to find the buried treasure during our treasure hunt!


Canoe Tours
Grab a paddle and experience the great outdoors from the vantage point of a canoe.
There’s no better place to learn about salt marsh ecology than paddling along the
Hackensack River and its tributaries. This is an excellent way to view landscapes and
wildlife that cannot be seen from land. Tours launch from Mill Creek in Secaucus and
Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lyndhurst. All trips are led by an
experienced NJMC tour guide. We supply all of the equipment and give you helpful tips
before setting out on the water.

Guided canoe tours are scheduled the following dates:
• Sunday July 26, 8:30 am from Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area
Participants should be at least 10 years old and have some canoeing experience. Preregistration
is required. The cost is $15 per person.
For directions to the marina or canoe launches, a registration form or more information
contact NJMC outreach Naturalist Gabrielle Bennett-Meany at (201) 460-4640.
Registration forms may also be picked up at the NJMC offices at One DeKorte Park
Plaza, Lyndhurst. You may also download them from our website,
http://www.njmeadowlands.gov/.

Edgewater Theatre Saturday July 26
Thomas & Friends: The Great Discovery
(G - mins) 10:00 am.
Drive to
The Sterling Renaissance Festival
Pirate Revel
Come in costume and join the Dread Pirate Costume Competition, for children and adults, and win some pirate booty. Kids can attend a Pirate's Punch Party with pirate friends, and adult buccaneers can gather at the Festival pubs for a special mug of Grog as they parlay with the Festival's sea-fairing rogues.
Feast on pirate delicacies stolen from around the world, and fill your sea chests with exotic finery from Festival shops. Every pirate can sing so join in a sea shanty at any of the singing revels that take place throughout the day. Watch swash buckling swordplay on stages and in the lanes, bid on a wench or bloke at a Pirate Auction, and jeer at the Pirate Trails.
All things pirate return to port at the Pirate Revel happening at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, so grab your shipmates and prepare to come aboard, and don't forget your "Arg!"
This Map shows the grounds.
Tickets before any discounts are 22 for adults and 9.95 for Children (6-12) Under are free

Land Of Make Believe
Location: Just 2 miles from Route 80 exit 12 in Hope, New Jersey, 354 Great Meadows Road - Route 611
Rides and attractions for all ages plus a water park.

Coupons and Deals from CVS, Starbucks, Walgreens, and More


Here's the deal: If you have a registered Starbucks card, you can take that in to any Starbucks store on July 25-26, 2008 and get a free Vivanno blend.
Don't have a Starbucks card yet? Well, it might be worth getting one for. You can get one in any amount and when you register it online, you can get other perks, too.

From moneysavingmom.com
Buy $15 worth of CVS baby care products, Get $5 ECBs (Limit 1)
Includes:CVS-brand diapers are $6/pack
CVS-brand wipes are $2, free with the July Beauty book $2/1 coupon
CVS-brand baby lotion,
baby swabs, baby powder are all $2 each,
free with the July Beauty book $2/1 coupon
*DEAL IDEA*If you plan to do multiple transactions at CVS this week and have multiple copies of the $2/1 Beauty skincare coupon, buy one $2 product per transaction and use one $2/1 coupon per transaction. After you've purchased eight of these free items, you'll also get a $5 ECB!
Additional Coupon:
5 Dollars off any Purchase of $30 or more at CVS Saturday 7/26/08 Only

Land of Make Believe Enter to win free Tickets
Walgreens Crayola Markers 10 pk 2.99
Crayola Store 52 Count Sidewalk Chalk 5.99



Going on a Dinosaur Dig


I have been fortunate enough to have the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with palaeontologists on a working dig. This initiative is part of the University of Alberta dinosaur research programme and accredited field school, supported by BP sponsorship. One of my co-workers just got back from their dig and I am now getting excited as my date approaches.
I will be near Grand Prairie Canada digging at a site where a Pachyrhinosaurus bonebed has been found and where bones of a new species of this horned dinosaur can be collected.
Each day will include a hike in and out of the dig site, prospecting for new skeletons and
participating in digs at the dinosaur site. The Grande Prairie site involves some heights.
I will be working with staff and students from the University of Alberta, including Dr. Philip
Currie
, an international expert on theropod and feathered dinosaurs.
Since No children under 18 years are permitted to take part in the dig my little one will have to experience this 2nd hand. She has been disappointed that I am going to dig for dinosaurs without her so we did our own dino dig at the local sandbox. We went down with our I Dig Dinosaur Kit a few paintbrushes and a shovel to dig up the sand and bury the bones. We uncovered 2 dinosaurs a T-Rex and Triceratops. After finding all the pieces we assembled them. Our Dino-dig may not have been at some remote location but it was great fun and not as easy as I thought. (there was one piece that I was looking for for quite a while but finally found it)

How to Get Away without a Car (or Leaving your neighborhood)

With gas prices still very high about $4.00 (I hope I don't see this article in a few months a think I wish gas was only 4.00) Finding things to do close to home has become more desirable. Besides being kinder to your wallet/pocketbook exploring your hometown can be a great way to uncover hidden gems in your area (It's part of being a local).

Having a camp-out in your own backyard can be a fun "adventure" for your little ones (in our case we setup the tent inside) and a good way to disconnect from electronic distractions. You can roast marshmallows and make smores over a grill or camping stove tell stories, play card games and anything else you would do on a camping trip. The advantage is if you forget something or if it rains you are at home. Some other things you can do around the house are have a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.

For hot days a Sprinkler, Slip and slide or inflatable pool (Read Water Safety) can be a good way to cool down. We got little magnetic fishing poles and fish from the Dollar store. We filled up a pool and went fishing in the backyard (sans hooks and worms)




For getting around by bike with small kids I would suggest a bike trailer, I use a Trek doodlebug deluxe that seats 2 doubles as a jogger and has plenty of extra room for picnic items or picking up some stuff at the local farmers market

Weekend Planner_July19

Sorry I am Late in getting this post out it has been a Crazy busy week I have about 3 other posts in the hopper that I need to get out as well anyway here is this weekends planner hopefully you will still find it useful Saturday is the better of the 2 days to get out because Sunday will have some isolated T-Storms The Morning and evening should be considerably cooler but the humidity has been pretty high.



Saturday, July 19, 2008 12-3 PM
Peking, Pier 16 Explore the tall ship Peking with a fun and educational scavenger hunt. Leave with a prize and your own wooden tall ship model.
The event is part of the Museum's Family Programs designed for children age four and older, along with their families. Programs are free with Museum admission unless otherwise noted. Tickets may be purchased at 12 Fulton Street or on Pier 16 at the Museum’s Visitor Center. For information and to purchase tickets, call 212-748-8786, e-mail reservations@southstseaport.org


The Sterling Renaissance Festival I haven't been here in quite a few years and the operation is under new management. I do remember this being a fun place to visit with lots of activities and shows. Keep in mind there is quite a bit of walking. This Map shows the grounds.
Tickets before any discounts are 22 for adults and 9.95 for Children (6-12) Under are free


Hoboken St. Ann's Feast
July 19th-22nd 704 Jefferson St.

From noon to midnight on weekends, and weekdays from 6pm to 11:30pm: Rides, games, vendors, food, live music & Saint Ann’s Guild famous zeppoles! Procession through the streets of Hoboken on Sat. July 26th For more info: 201-216-0252

Last weekend we went to Lewis Morris State Park and had a great time. There is a lake to swim in with both a shallow and deep area (Kids must pass a test administered by the lifeguards on duty to swim in the deep section) Pedal and row boats are available for an additional fee.
There is a great playground donated by Saturn (There is construction where the main entrance used to be so you need to enter the playground from the side. The Construction is Gated off) There are also Bike paths we brought our bike and Trailer which was a great way to get around the park and carry stuff we needed. You should get to the lake early (10:30-11:00) so you can setup under one of the big umbrellas. Bring food for a picnic or you can purchase food at the food pavilion. Admission was $5.00 for adults and my 4 year old was free.

Timmy the Tug and Billy Barge



A while back while looking out our window and seeing some tugs and barges go by I proceeded to make up a story that I told to my daughter as a goodnight story that story developed into this draft some of the ideas came from her.

I hope you enjoy it and welcome any comments:


Here is an excerpt:

The River was a busy place with boats, and people from all
around the world. There were Piers that had Cruise
ships with families on vacation and piers with large
container ships that carried stuff to and from other
countries.

A link to the eBook can be found at
http://mjwebdesigns.net/kidzense/Timmy&Billy.pdf

Weekend Planner_July11


This weekend is going to have decent weather, cooler (high 60's) in the mornings but a bit hot in the afternoon (almost 90 on Sunday) making for a great opportunity to get out and do some early morning outdoor activities and some water activities in the afternoon.
I have been looking at some places to Kayak or canoe this weekend. Piermont NY has a little place called Paradise Canoe and Kayak right next to a playground and Tallman State park. It has reasonable prices starting at $15/hr. Piermont is also a great town, right on the Hudson River it offers some great views of the Water and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The main street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants and on Sunday there is a Farmers Market. The main shopping center has a bike and Kayak shop, an old fashioned style ice cream shop, and a Gazebo (great for an afternoon picnic or taking a rest).
For a easy to moderate hike check out the Tenafly Nature Center.

This past weekend I went to Ringwood State Park and was somewhat disappointed. It may have been because it was a holiday weekend but it was a bit hectic, less friendly, and there was quite a bit of litter on the beach. Definitely not what I have come to expect or experience from Ringwood in the past. (I still think it is a great place to Bike)
Some other State Parks to check out are
WayWayanda with Barrett Farm Historic Site, Trails, Camping, Fishing,Picnic tables, Boating/canoeing: (electric motors only) boat rentals, canoe rentals, Swimming and Playground

Stephens State Park has Interpretive Nature Programs with:
Saturday, July 12 ANIMAL HOMES WALK 1:00 P.M. Observe signs of animals. Create animal tracks.
BIRDING WITH CHILDREN 2:30 P.M. Learn to identify resident birds. Learn about the Bald Eagle.
OWLS: NIGHT HUNTERS 1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. Owls as birds of prey. Dissect an owl pellet and find out what he had for lunch.

For a Beach Experience that is a little more remote check out Island Beach with
Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago. Island Beach contains outstanding examples of plant communities such as primary dunes, thicket, freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes. The state's largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds, are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 400 plants identified, including the largest expanses of beach heather in New Jersey.
You can still hit the boardwalk at night at either Seaside Heights or Pt. Pleasant; Island Beach is right between both beach destinations.

Unbelieva-Bills has
SUMMER REDUCED RATES:
$ 6 - Kingdom
$14.95 - Kingdom and Games
$19.95 - Kingdom, Games and 10 Minutes of Lazer Tag
$10-Kingdom, Games and Movie on Friday nights from 6:30 PM- 8 PM only

Kid Friendly Businesses the 3rd Installment


Finding a place to eat with kids can be a challenge even when the menu contains kid friendly fare. Attributes like the tables, service, bathrooms, and waiting area can mean the difference between an enjoyable dining experience and hurriedly paying the bill and getting a doggy bag. One such restaurant is the The Original Pancake House. We recently had breakfast at the Pancake house at 1638 Schlosser Street in the Fort Lee Town Center There are 2 other locations in New Jersey
West Caldwell: 817 Bloomfield Ave. West Caldwell and Whippany: 831 Route 10 EastWhippany
The Fort Lee Location has a kid friendly waiting area with toys, We were seated in a booth with crayons and a Kids menu that had activities and a coloring page. The menu also has a number of food choices including Pancakes, waffles and grilled cheese. The restaurant had a separate kid sized bathroom that was a hit with our little one. The Fort Lee Shopping center also houses a Borders which hosts an interactive story time on Saturdays at 11:00 am
For Dinner try The Blue Moon Mexican Cafe they have an extensive kids menu which doubles as a coloring page and can be entered in a monthly drawing for a free dinner for 3. Kids also get glow-in-the-dark bracelets and tattoos. The restaurant can have a long wait on weekends so call ahead for wait time. The offer a Sunday Brunch, Kids Parties, and have a special kids night on Halloween and New Years Eve.
Moving from food to hair I have been trying to find a kids salon one such place that I recently came across was Sharkey's Cuts for Kids in Ridgewood a Hair Salon specializing in Kids Haircuts. They also have Kids parties and Art Classes.
Children can sit in a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, Barbie Car, Big Red Jeep, and Sparkling Silver Mercedes while watching their favorite DVD'S and videotapes.
I have not been here yet but plan on giving it a try.

2008 4th of July celebrations in New Jersey


Fourth of July is a great time to get together with Family, BBQ, Picnic, go to Parades, Celebrate the history of our country and of Course see and Hear Fireworks (Ooohh Aaahh)
Here are a few tips to make you fireworks viewing with smaller children more enjoyable
Bring the following:
Chairs (The Folding type that have their own carry bag are probably your best choice)
Insect Repellent (Mosquitoes can make even adults cranky)
Ear Plugs (Loud noises can be too much for younger children)
Blanket or Sweatshirt and favorite stuffed animals
Snacks and Drinks
Save $4.00 at CVS on Last minute Items



Here is a list of some July 4th events in New Jersey

* * * JULY 4TH EVENTS * * *

WEDNESDAY July 2nd
Fair Lawn – Fireworks will be held Wednesday at Memorial Park, First Street and Berdan Avenue. Gates Open at 7:30 p.m. Rain date is Thursday. Tickets can be bought at municipal building on Fair Lawn Avenue. Cost is $7, $5 for seniors and kids; Cost at the gate is a few bucks more.

Hasbrouck Heights – Festivities include a DJ entertainment at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Gary Depkin Athletic Field, Route 17 and Franklin Avenue, will be followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Pequannock – A fireworks display will take place at Wednesday at Pequannock Twp high School, 85 Sunset Road. Rain date is Thursday.

Verona – Wednesday July 2, 7-10 p.m. Verona High School, 151 Fairview Ave. Contact: (973) 239-3220.




THURSDAY July 3rd
East Rutherford – 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. Giants Stadium Fairgrounds, Meadowlands Sports Complex. Contact: (973) 450-1073.

Englewood – A concert and fireworks will be held Thursday beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn of Dwight-Morrow High School on Knockerbocker Road. Admission is free. Rain date is Sunday.

Fort Lee – The borough will present a Fireworks Spectacular by the Grucci Family at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday on Lemoine Avenue between Main Street and Bruce Reynolds Boulevard. Admission is free.

Garfield – Fireworks will be presented at dusk Thursday at 20th Century Field, Gaston Avenue and Elizabeth Street. Admission is free.

Paterson – A fireworks display sponsored by the Business of Merchants of Downtown Paterson in conjunction with the City of Paterson will be held at dusk Thursday. The display will last about 20 minutes and can be viewed from the Great Falls and the Paterson Museum parking lot at Spruce and Market streets.

River Edge – Music will be playing Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. Food will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. A parade will step off at 11 a.m. Friday at Bogert Road and continue to Continental Avenue. Fireworks will kick off at 9:15 p.m. Friday and may be viewed from the Yeshiva of North Jersey parking lot off Kinderkamack Road. Rain date is Sunday.

Teaneck – Celebrations begin Thursday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Votee Park, with musical entertainment. On Friday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. also in Votee Park, pony rides, jugglers, face painters, a Moonwalk, comedy show, band and trackless train will be featured.

Wayne – Wayne PAL will sponsored fireworks at dusk Thursday at the Wayne Valley High School field on Valley Road. Rain date is July 7. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Admission will be $10 per family.

West Milford – The annual “Thunder in the Highlands” program will be held Thursday at the Jungle Habitat property on Airport Road. Food, games and entertainment start at 6 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. Guests should bring chairs. Coolers not permitted. Cost is $10 per car. There will be no overflow parking areas or shuttles this year. Rain date is July 11.




FRIDAY July 4th
Allendale – Festivities will take place Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. with field events at Recreation Park. There will be a band concert and fireworks at Crestwood Lake beginning at 7:30 p.m. The evening events are for residents and their guests. Tickets must be presented for admission. Rain date is Saturday.

Cresskill – Residents are invited to a celebration beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at the Community and Sports Center, 100 Third St. Tickets must be picked up in advance at Borough Hall. Rain date is Saturday.

Glen Rock – A parade with the theme “Glen Rock Goes Green” will take place Friday between 9:30 a.m. at Harristown Road and Hamilton Avenue ending at the pool on Doremus Avenue.

Hackensack – Festivities are planned Friday in Foschini Park off River Street and Midtown Bridge Approach. There will be games, rides, food, flea market, and music at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.

Lyndhurst – Festivities for residents will be Friday at 6 p.m. behind little league fields on Riverside Avenue. Music, food and beverages available. Patriotic exercise at 8:30 p.m. will be followed by a fireworks display. Admission is free. Rain date is Saturday.

Oradell – A parade will be at 9 a.m. Friday rain or shine at Oradell Avenue and Third Street and end at Memorial Field on Prospect Avenue. A ceremony, food and festivities will follow. Admission is free.

Paramus – Celebrations will begin at 9 a.m. Friday with a parade from Fairview Avenue and Century Road to Memorial School. The annual soft ball game between the fire and police departments will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday at Gennarelli Sports Complex next to Garden State Plaza. From 5 p.m. to dusk Sunday, the sports complex will be the site of a block party featuring food booths, kiddie rides, entertainment, and music at 7 p.m., then fireworks.

Ramsey – The Ramsey Centennial Birthday Party and Fourth of July celebration will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday at Finch Park on Church Street.

Ridgewood - Evening Activities and Fireworks Tickets Friday, July 4th, 2008 Raindate - Monday, July 7th Veteran's Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet's Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration's largest sources of income.
Purchase tickets in advance at local merchants for $5.00 each. Tickets are available beginning Monday, June 3rd.

Ridgefield Park – Observances Friday will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a flag-raising by the Boy Scouts at Memorial Plaza, Euclid Avenue at Mount Vernon Street. The main parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Hudson Avenue and Preston Street and end at Brewster Park. Evening entertainment and food starts at 7:30 p.m., then fireworks. Rain date for fireworks is Saturday.

Rutherford – Celebrations will be held Friday beginning at 10 a.m. in Lincoln Park. Fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m. Rain date is Saturday.

Tenafly – Celebrations will be held Friday beginning with amusements, games and food from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roosevelt Common. A concert will be held at Tenafly High School on Columbus Drive and will be followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring chairs or blankets.

Clifton – A family picnic will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday at Memorial Park on Main Street. A fireworks display will begin at dusk at the Clifton Schools Stadium in the park. Tickets are $3. A concert by Clifton Community Band will follow the fireworks.

Hawthorne – The Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a fireworks display at 8:30 p.. Friday at the Hawthorne High School athletic field. Tickets are $6 at the gate.

Little Falls – A street fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday on Main Street and Stevens Avenue, featuring food and merchandise vendors, entertainment, rides, face painting and art.

Ringwood – Festivities Friday, rain or shine, at Ringwood Manor in Ringwood State Park will begin at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Parking cost is $5.

Belleville - The festivities will start with the Recreation Department’s annual field day for youngsters, ages 4 – 12 at the Municipal Stadium starting promptly at 9:30 AM. The events, which will be open to all Belleville residents 4-12.
On Friday night, July 4th, a fireworks display will be presented at the Stadium starting at sundown (approximately 9:15 PM). The rain date for these events will be Saturday, July 5th.

Maplewood – The 106th annual Maplewood July 4th celebration will open at 8 a.m. in Ricalton Square. The Push Pedal Pull Parade kicks off at 8:15 a.m. Dashes and Relays and the first annual 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. The Art Project starts at 10 a.m. followed by the Ice Cream Eating Contest at 11 a.m. The Baking Contest starts at 11:30 a.m.. Adult Softball, Percussion Forest and the Pet Show open the afternoon at 12 noon. The Circus will open at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Live music will fill their air from 3:30 p.m. until the fireworks, which will light up the sky at 9 p.m. Races and other contests require registration.

Milburn – An Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration will begin at Taylor Park at 9 a.m. with a flag raising and Patriot Award presentation. The Bike-Trike-Stroller Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. The baseball skills competition and girls softball game will start at 10 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. family games, amusement rides, duck races, pony rides and a Revolutionary War encampment will be held. At 7 p.m. the celebration will move to the high school, where chairs are prohibited on artificial turf. DJ Krazy Kat will provide the music up until the fireworks, which will launch at 9:30 p.m. Rain Date is Saturday, July 5.

Nutley – At Nutley Oval Park, Nutley's Fourth of July Civic Celebration will begin with registration for the Fire Cracker Competition at 9 a.m. The competition will include potato sack races, a football throw and running races. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. the town will shut down Franklin Avenue from Chestnut Street to Church Street to make room for an inflatable moonwalk, obstacle course, face painting, rock wall climbing, bungee trampoline, festival food and Slipped Disc Inc. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

Livingston – Celebrations in Livingston will begin at 9 a.m. with a classic auto show in the parking lot between Livingston High School and Livingston Pool. The day will continue with a swim carnival, country fair, the American Legion baseball game, carnival rides and the Livingston Police Department child ID program. The afternoon will feature pony rides, crafts, nine hole mini-golf, an interactive DJ show, a frozen T-shirt contest and a twisted sports spin-off. Tramps Like Us will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Montclair – The Independence Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Bloomfield Avenue and S. Fullerton Ave., and proceed to the park. In the park, bands, bagpipers, stilt walkers, jugglers and face painters will fill out the early portion of the day. At 7 p.m. the celebration will move to Mountainside Park where The Kootz will rock until the 9 p.m. fireworks.
Complimentary train service to Mountainside Park will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Bay Street stop and will run until the end of the night. Shuttle buses to the fireworks will also be available at the Montclair State University Red Hawk Parking Deck.

Bloomfield
– The gates will open at Foley Field at 5 p.m. for an evening of music, food and fireworks. Jersey Sound will cover hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Children, and children of all ages will have the chance to enjoy the kids carnival and face painting. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

The Caldwells – West Caldwell, along with North Caldwell, Caldwell, Essex Fells and Roseland will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at dusk. Gates to the high school open at 7 p.m. Rain date is the following evening.
Saturday July 5th
Morristown –
Free Fourth of July fireworks at dusk. The public is welcome to enjoy picnics in the park before the fireworks. Held at Morris Lewis County Park, 270 Mendham Road.