Parade Route Grand Marshals Parade Highlights

Independence Day Parade Highlights

Montclair’s 62nd annual Independence Day Parade promises a host of spectacular performances and live entertainment.

Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Joins July 4th Parade Line-Up

The ever popular marching band Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps will join in Montclair's July 4th festivities to march in the Township's 62nd annual Independence Day Parade.

The tagline “Many Arts, One Heart” truly tells the story of the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps. Since its formation in 1979, this band of brothers and sisters has been making music and art for audiences across the United States and Canada.

The recipient of dozens of awards—from the New York City Heritage of Pride’s coveted Best in March Award to Rochester’s little-known but equally appreciated Ruby Slipper Award—the Big Apple Corps has been seen by millions in such diverse appearances as a parade to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington’s Inauguration, a performance in a church basement in Brooklyn, a concert at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and the New York City Veterans Day Parade.

The Big Apple Corps’ music has been heard by three American presidents and by countless celebrities along many parade-route miles. A proud founding member of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA), the Big Apple Corps marched with LGBA in the Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama in 2009, and has performed from coast to coast with the LGBA massed band, featuring the combined membership of 34 bands from the United States, Canada, and Australia.

With a membership of 100 musicians, color guard members, and band aides, the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps proudly continues its 33rd season. The pride of New York City, the band plans to go on lifting the hearts of audiences along parade routes for years to come.

July 4th Parade Favorites Return!

Joining us again this year will be the Fralinger String Band of Philadelphia Mummers fame whose 2012 theme is "Stars Over Scotland". Their band of clans will venture across the Highlands of Scotland. Fralingers' Captain D’Amore, the clan chief, instills in his men that the best way is the tartan way and the journey begins! A driving musical score features Scotland’s most acclaimed instrument, accompanied by an energetic and exciting 2012 production.

The Wayne Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps – the world class Wayne Raiders are 10-time world semi-finalists and finalists in international competitions. They won best percussion and best general effect in 2005 in the divisional and world championships and in 2006 they won the Drum Corps International Bronze Medal. For 2012,

This year the Wayne Raiders bring you "Warped" – imagine coming out of a door onto a road that constantly changes your perspective of reality so get ready to follow the Raiders on a WARPED journey to places unknown.

Caporales San Simon - This Bolivian dance group was first formed in November of 1978 in the city of Cochabamba. Historically the Caporales were foremen of the black slaves of the Bolivian hot zones of the Yungas in La Paz, Bolivia. The group made its first appearance in the Carnival of Oruro.

Caporales dance is based on the rhythms of the saya, a form of Bolivian processional dance, but has been transformed with the addition of different kinds of foreign musical elements. The dancers wear clothing decorated with lots of color and sequins, reminiscent of the conquistadors.

St. Columcille United Gaelic Band - The band draws its name from an Irish prince, warrior and scholar who became a priest to bring early Christianity to the Western Isles of Ireland and Scotland. St. Columcille remains a lasting symbol of the unity of the early Celtic peoples, particularly the Scots and the Irish. This award winning organization, whose stated mission is to "forward the music of the Gael," have performed at Montclair's Fourth of July parade for many years.

Local favorites will also be in the 2011 line-up such as the Montclair Community Band, community groups and organizations who will have floats and marchers, fire engines, antique cars, and much, much more in store, including everyone's favorite -- Elvis!