PHOTOS: The Bloomfield Bicentennial Opening Ceremony

The Bloomfield Bicentennial Opening Ceremony on Friday night was a big success, drawing hundreds of people from the community to celebrate two hundred years of life in Bloomfield.

The ceremony began in the Bloomfield High School auditorium, with Bicentennial Chairwoman/Mistress of Ceremonies Janice Litterio making the opening remarks. “To totally understand Bloomfield you must respect its heart and soul and its people,” she said to applause, before introducing guest speaker Rich Ruffalo.

“What a pleasure, thrill and honor to speak tonight,” said author and educator Ruffalo.  “There’s a saying, ‘All roads lead to Rome.’  Well, as far as I’m concerned, all roads lead to Bloomfield.”

Saying he had grown up “just a few javelin throws away from this spot,” Ruffalo spoke about growing up in Bloomfield, attending Brookside School and playing sports at Bloomfield High School.   “This is not just a town,” he said eloquently, “it’s an etched carving in our minds of pride, dignity and character.”

Litterio outlined some of the Bicentennial-inspired activities planned for the rest of 2012, including historical themed events, fireworks displays, guest speakers, block parties, a house decorating contest, a Bicentennial holiday tree lighting and a Bicentennial Gala sponsored by Unico.  One of the most highly anticipated events will be a spectacular Memorial Day parade, picnic and time-capsule opening. 

Members of the Bicentennial committee and members of the township council then performed a brief reenactment of the signing of the town charter. 

Afterward Mayor McCarthy spoke at the podium. 

“Two hundred years ago, Napoleon was in power,” he said. “But family was first then, it’s what made this country great, and here in Bloomfield we’re that way, too.  It’s great to see parents and children here tonight together.”

Rufus Johnson and former Bloomfield resident Brendan Gill, both Essex County chosen Freeholders, were among the visiting dignitaries who addressed the crowd.  “I bring you greetings from Newark, your mother city, to show our solidarity and love for the city of Bloomfield,” said Johnson.  He jokingly referred to himself as Gill’s “background singer.”

Gill said he had fond memories of going to Thanksgiving Day football games at Foley Field with his father.  “This connects me to my past,” he said.  “I look forward to all the wonderful Bicentennial events that are planned.”

Senator Ron C. Rice was last to speak.  “I spent a lot of nights doing redistricting,” he said.  “We lost Belleville but we were able to maintain Bloomfield.”

Litterio presented Bicentennial certificates to Rice, Gill and Johnson as well as Assemblyman Ralph Caputo and Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, who also made some brief remarks.

After watching a “Roving Eye Camera” film of Bloomfield residents wishing the township a happy birthday, the ceremony concluded.  Attendees flocked to the Bloomfield cafeteria, where a buffet prepared by the Town Pub was waiting.

Brothers Tarek and Rami Korio, both managers of Town Pub, were on hand to share in the celebration.  Volunteers, including many members of the Bloomfield High School Key Club, helped serve the food.

“I think there are around 350 people here,” Rami Korio estimated.  The food, which was donated for the event, was plentiful and delicious. 

“I’ve been up since 6:00 a.m. cooking,” said kitchen manager Wilson Civil.  “We made twelve different dishes.  I’m glad the Town Pub was able to help the town.  I’m glad we could be part of the town’s 200th birthday.”

Jerry Milani, who worked on the Bicentennial Committee, acted as the Town Crier for the event.  He said he had been at the Bloomfield train station that morning in costume, ringing his bell. 

“I was there for the 7:09 and the 7:15 trains,” he grinned.  “I think some people were surprised.  Well, hey, you only get one chance to celebrate your Bicentennial.”

“It was a great event,” agreed Councilman Michael Venezia.  “Former Councilwoman Litterio and the Bicentennial Committee did an unbelievable job.”

He added, “It felt great walking in the shoes of a Councilman from 1812.”