According to a recent Newark Star-Ledger story, towns across the state are cutting back on their fireworks because of the economy. Not so for Maplewood. But before budget-minded killjoys start griping, it’s critical to note that the fireworks don’t cost the taxpayer a dime.

“We pay for the fireworks,” Maplewood Fourth of July Committee member Howard Gilman said, explaining that aside from the town paying for the work of police, fire and other town workers and covering insurance and administrative costs, most of the cost of the Fourth of July celebration is covered by the $10 entrance fee paid by the approximately 3000 annual participants in the celebration.*

The money doesn’t just do into bangs in the sky, though. The Township’s July Fourth celebration is an all-day affair, with events programmed from 7:45 a.m. on through to 9:45 p.m. (full schedule here). Highlights include the children’s parade, an ice cream eating contest and musical performances.

It’s an All-American party, family-friendly event for a sophisticated suburb. Gilman said that while patriotism is an integral part of the celebration, it is more of a celebration of community rather than of country.

“People come to Maplewood from all over the country,” Gilman said. “The Fourth of July celebration here often reminds people of celebrations where they are from.”

Gilman said that in recent years, the celebration has increasingly featured the circus. Organized by a Mr. Zerbini, and fitting called the Zerbini Family Circus, the circus is both a throwback to the days before Cirque Du Soleil and a modern spectacle that goes out of its way to avoid animal cruelty. That’s not to say animals won’t be present; the circus is billing itself as having the only performing buffalo in the circus world today.

“It's for kids, mostly,” Gilman said. “But it has real animals and real acrobats. You won’t get that on your VCR.”

Other events that have been organized separately from the main Fourth of July festivities have become a tradition as well, namely the blood drive and the 5K race. It’s sure to be a day to remember, depending on one important factor.

“You have to arrange for good weather,” Gilman said.

*Editor's note: the original version of this article said the entire cost of the day's events, aside from overtime for police and fire, were covered by the fee. That has been changed.