Community Corner
Weekend Guide: Memorial Day Parade in Bloomfield
There's loads going in Bloomfield, from the parade to cabaret night at Pianos. Plus listings from other towns.
If Essex County is as far as you’re traveling this holiday weekend, look no further for your plans. Under hopefully sunny skies, there’s a bike ride, street fairs, canoeing, a garden party, and more. If rainy skies prevail, there’s dancing, comedy, cooking, and roller-skating.
Whatever the forecast, peruse our list, break out the whites and happy (almost) Memorial Day!
-Bloomfield Township Memorial Day Parade
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Where/When: On Monday, May 30, the parade kick-off starts at 9:30 a.m. at Broad Street, Brookside Park. Parade ends at Broad and Liberty streets.
Why Go: Understand the true meaning of Memorial Day by honoring the men and women who died protecting our country. There will also be a fallen firefighters ceremony at the fire department HQ at 8 a.m.
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Pricing: Free.
—Reach for the Stars Cabaret
Where/When: Piano’s Bar & Grill, 36 Broad St., Bloomfield. Friday, May 27 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Piano’s offers solid bar food, drink specials and live entertainment every night. This Friday, cabaret music fills the line-up. For a daily schedule of Piano’s entertainment go to the website.
Pricing: No Cover.
—DJ and Dancing at Bar Cara
Where/When: Bar Cara, 1099 Broad St., Bloomfield. Saturday, May 28 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Why Go: DJ Louie spins ‘80s and top music hits in the Bar Cara Lounge. If nothing else, go for the house-made pineapple vodka shots…yum.
Pricing: No cover, drink specials from 11 p.m. to midnight.
—Community Bike Ride
Where/When: Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Friday, May 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ride begins promptly at 7 p.m.).
Why Go: Start your weekend off right with a community bike ride, hosted by Bike Walk Montclair. This is an easy ride for everyone, with no predetermined route or leaders. For more information and “street savvy” cycling advice go here.
Pricing: Free.
—Kids’ Cooking Workshop
Where/When: Whole Foods Montclair, 701 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Friday, May 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Why Go: In honor of Memorial Day, kids ages 4 to 10 can make red, white & blue treats.
Pricing: $10 per child, register at customer service or call (973) 746-5110.
—African American Statewide Heritage Festival
Where/When: Meeker Ave. & Elizabeth Ave., Newark (Weequahic Park). Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Newark does itself proud with a huge, four-day festival celebrating African American heritage. Highlights include live entertainment, carnival rides, vendors, a health pavilion, children’s village, give-a-ways and more. Go here for more information.
Pricing: Free.
—Essex Pool Opening Day
Where/When: 41 Chestnut St., Montclair. Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why Go: Ok, it may only be polar bear club members who take a dip this weekend, but the town pool is officially open.
Pricing: Go here for daily and seasonal rates.
—Family Garden Party
Where/When: Presby Memorial Gardens, 474 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair. Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Why Go: In addition to the over 100,000 iris flowers, there will be live music, refreshments and crafts for kids. Don’t forget to check out the Student Iris Art exhibit in the historic Walther House.
Pricing: Free.
—A Night of World Dances
Where/When: InsaniTea, 570 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Saturday, May 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: Have some tango with your tea tonight at InsaniTea. The evening will include a showcase of belly dancing, tango, swing, flamenco and more.
Pricing: $15.
—West Orange Street Fair and Craft Show
Where/When: 66 Main Street, West Orange. Sunday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Rides, food, games and live music provide the street fair fun, while over 100 artists and vendors represent the craft show part. Overall, a rollicking event everyone can enjoy. Free parking will be available behind town hall at 66 main street. For more information go here.
Pricing: Free.
—Holiday Weekend Comedy Special
Where/When: Tierney’s Tavern, 136-138 Valley Road, Montclair. Sunday, May 29 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Why Go: Come for a night of stand-up and improv benefitting the VFW. Line up of performers includes, Natty Bumpercar, Melissa Doran, Mike Fortino, Rick Rosen and more.
Pricing: $15 cover, free admission for all military personnel and veterans.
—Montclair Township Memorial Day Tribute
Where/When: Edgemont Park, Valley Road, Montclair. Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
Why Go: Take part in a celebration to remember why you have the day off. Mayor Jerry Fried will preside as Master of Ceremonies and Rev. Andrew Butler of St. John's Episcopal Church will deliver the invocation, the blessing of the wreaths and the benediction. Brigadier General Retired Bruce Bingham will be guest speaker.
Pricing: Free.
—Sheep Shearing at the Zoo
Where/When: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange. Monday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why Go: Watch the Zoo’s resident sheep lose their wool coats for the summer. A professional shearer will be doing continuous demonstrations at the Essex Farm Petting Zoo area.
Pricing: $10 adults, $7 children and seniors, free for children under 2.
—Memorial Day Paddle
Where/When: Essex County Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. Monday, May 30 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. OR 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Adults and children ages 10 and up are welcome to explore the Passaic river…in a canoe! Paddle up river and float downstream. Paddling safety, technique and equipment are included. Advance registration is required.
Pricing: $30 per canoe or $15 per person. Please call (973) 228-8776 for more info or to register.
—Memorial Day Family Skate
Where/When: Branch Brook Park Roller Rink, 7th Ave. and Clifton Ave., Newark. Monday, May 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy an afternoon of roller-skating at a special Memorial Day discount rate.
Pricing: $2.50 per child, skate rental $3.50.
—Glen Ridge Memorial Day Parade
Where/When: Parade route starts at the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Baldwin Street, Glen Ridge. The parade assembles at 10:30 a.m. and begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The picnic to follow will be at 12 p.m. at the Glen Ridge train station (Ridgewood and Darwin).
Why Go: The parade promises to include loads of festive floats and participants celebrating this special holiday. The fun continues after the parade at the town picnic with food, games and entertainment. Please note that Ridgewood Avenue will be closed between Woodland and Bloomfield avenues until 2 p.m.
Pricing: Free.
