While budget crises are causing towns around New Jersey and the country to cancel their fireworks and even some of their July 4th celebrations, Maplewood's celebration and fireworks will be as big as ever—if not even bigger.

How is this so?

It's all thanks to the volunteer work and fundraising of the Maplewood Civic Association. Said Connie Cosgrove of the MCA (and formerly of the Maplewood Township Committee), "The Maplewood Civic Association has been funding and putting on our celebration for over 100 years at no cost to tax payers. Only the cost of a 'tag' funds the event with lots of volunteers. We will still enjoy our very traditional celebration here in Maplewood thanks to the MCA and our wonderful group of volunteers."

Cosgrove wants to "encourage folks to buy a tag even if they will be away or do not attend. Budgets are tight everywhere!"

Tags are $10 ("babes in arms" are free) and can be purchased on the day of the event in Memorial Park or at evening event entrance gates OR you can purchase tags early at: Town Hall Clerk's Office, Maplewood Memorial Library (both branches), Recreation Department Civic House and DeHart Community Center, Coldwell Realtors (formerly Burgdorff), Crane's Deli, Maplewood Stationery, No. 165, Village Wine Shop, Words Bookstore, Kari's Cafe and the Park Wood Diner.

Cosgrove noted, "All the folks that sit on the lawn at Town Hall get a free show of fireworks as they have not purchased a tag. It would be great if we could get them to make a free-will contribution."

The full schedule of Maplewood's 108th Annual Fourth of July Celebration is as folllows:

7:45 a.m., Ricalton Square, assemble for 8 a.m. Opening Ceremonies.

8:15 a.m. Bikes, etc. Parade—Everything Push, Pedal or Pull:
red, white & blue decorated bikes, kazoos, toddlers pots & pans,
rollerbladers. Neighborhood groups and organizations invited to
create original theme entries.

9 a.m. Dashes & Relay Races, athletic field opposite Town Hall
requires sign-up form; Maplewood residents). Girl Scouts—morning concession (coffee, water, etc.) near Skate House.

10 a.m. Art Project, downhill from Maplewood Station, build and decorate
"Making a Hill...Tumbling Cubes" by John Kaufman and Tom Carlson,
sponsored by Memorial Post 10120 VFW and 1978 Maplewood Arts Center 
(all ages, Maplewood residents).

11 a.m. Ice Cream Eating Contests, presented by Maplewood Rotary,
picnic area next to playground (Maplewood residents K-12 & Adults).

11:30 a.m. Baking Contest (all ages, Maplewood residents; entries must be at Town Hall between 9 and 9:30 a.m.). Judging with help from Janet Crane of Crane's Deli.

12 noon Pet Show, Main Library (all types, all sizes; Maplewood residents) presented by Jersey Animal Coalition.

Adult Softball 12 to 3 p.m., athletic field opposite Town Hall.

Kids Percussion Forest by Jamie Ross starting at 12, downhill from Maplewood Station.

Zerbini Family Circus at 1:00, 3:30 and 6 p.m., under the big top, rain or shine. First come first served—No reserved seats, seating limited, line up early!

Live Music 3:30 p.m. until fireworks: local young and adult bands, on lawn opposite town hall. Ice cream on sale; hotdogs and soda sold by Boy Scout Troop 5, celebrating BSA's 100th and Troop 5's 90th years.

Fireworks 9 p.m., come early, time approximate.