34 Summer 2016 localmatters “Maplewood’s 4th of July celebration now includes some fantastic new additions to the perennial favorites”, announces committee chair, Tom Pascuite. “This year’s celebration will be bigger and better,” he says, “with enhanced all-day attractions and streamlined online purchase of admission.” The aim is to have a day-long fun-filled fair environment with food, attractions and entertainment. This year’s 4th will be a full day of family fun, including the 5k Run, opening ceremonies, kids’ bikes, a parade, kids’ dashes and relays, the Columbia High robotics club, the art project, ice cream eating contests, tennis contests, a baking contest, karaoke, kids’ percussion, pet awards show, the Zerbini family circus, live music and, of course, evening fireworks. Art Project The 2016 iteration of this 4th of July tradition, the Art Project, spearheaded by John Kaufman, will be mounted on the big ball field backstop in Memorial Park’s South Field. A community-wide enterprise on an even bigger scale than last year, each “pixel” is an opportunity for individual expression. With a theme of balance inspired by baseball imagery, you can make a statement and sign on for sense and reason. MAPLEWOOD’S 4th of July Favorites PLUS New All Day Attractions! A day-long, fun-filled fair environment with food, events tent, games, car show and the main stage, all in town! Car Show Maplewood’s First 4th of July Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Park. Car owners can enter their vehicles online, for free, at maplewoodcivic.org. Trophies will be awarded. Cool cars, movie cars, celebrity cars, antique cars, collector cars, muscle cars, motorcycles and others are invited. Live Music As part of the new all-afternoon concert stage, the concert headliner will be Park Ave. There will be something for everyone in the wide selection of songs that have everyone up and dancing from the very first song. Park Ave will perform three 45-minute sets, starting at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. DJ Jimmy B. will DJ in-between so that there will be a combination of live acts and DJ’ing from 2 pm throughout the afternoon. This entertainment will overlap with the car show. The Jersey Girls will perform as part of our all-afternoon concert stage. The Jersey Girls specialize in songs that have strong vocal harmony reminiscent of the original recordings! Dancing to the oldies from the ‘60s through the ‘70s — a truly entertaining musical experience that all ages will enjoy. Before the fireworks climax of the evening, there will be a Light Show Spectacular and DJ dance party in front of the stage.