fourth of july / 31 Maplewood Village. Wristband-holders will have access to a prime viewing area on the South Field of the park that will place them front and center as shells are launched overhead. Bingo Hall The bingo tent was introduced in 2018 and was an immediate hit, providing all wristband- holders a free round of bingo with admission. For this year’s festival, anyone who purchases a wristband will be able to play unlimited rounds for free. Lots of cool prizes are waiting to be won, including gift cards to local merchants, and free nights at Les Saisons, Maplewood’s only bed & breakfast. July Fourth Food Court The festival’s food court, located on the North Field of the park, will offer an ar- ray of wholesome food as well as decadent treats. Cheesesteaks, hot dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, gyros, fried Oreos, kettle corn, empanadas, and lobster rolls are just some of what’s on the menu for July Fourth. The food court will cater to a wide variety of tastes and diets, and include lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Be sure to come hungry! A Community-wide Endeavor Maplewood’s celebration of Independence Day is orga- nized by the Maplewood Civic Associa- tion’s July Fourth Committee. The event, now in its 117th year, is a true community- wide endeavor, with numerous groups, service organizations, schools, and clubs within Maplewood and South Orange, together with township officials and staff, collaborating year-round on behalf of SOMA residents. Volunteers make it happen! If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to serve your community, consider volunteering for the day or even for a few hours this July Fourth. Visit maplewoodcivic.org or email info@maplewoodcivic.org to sign up. Chef Jesse Live Celebrity chef and local resident Jesse Jones, author of “Pow! My Life in 40 Feasts,” will be on the South Field entertaining festival-goers with anecdotes from his life as a chef to the stars. Throughout the day, Chef Jesse will be putting his culinary skills on display, including some mouth-watering BBQ recipes. Audi- ence members will be able to sample the food prepared during the interactive cooking demos. Entertainment Pavillion All activities in the pavilion are included with your wristband purchase. Fea- tured entertain- ment will take place all day long on the Perfor- mance Stage. This includes magic shows, interactive balloon art, and a variety of acrobats and carnival performers. Other interactive fun taking place in the pavilion will include face painting, henna tattoos, hair braiding, competitive eating contests, caricatures, sand art, prize wheel, costumed characters, photo booth, and more! Visit maplewoodcivic.org for an updated schedule of activities. Light Show & Fireworks A light show on the South Field will introduce the evening’s signature event… fireworks! The internationally-acclaimed Garden State Fireworks will launch a pyrotechnics display that will dazzle spectators and provide the ultimate fi- nale to Maplewood’s 117th Independence Day Celebration. Popular viewing areas include the park’s North Field, the Municipal Building lawn on Valley Street, and Ricalton Square in