localmatters / 27 Big Events Tent There will be free activities all day in The Big Events Tent on Memorial Park’s South Field. Newly-added attractions as well as perennial favorites include the Baking Contest, Pet Awards Show, Robotics, Talent Showcase and Ice Cream and other Eating Contests. An event schedule will be posted under the tent. Check maplewoodcivic.org for times and details. For the Baking Contest, open to all ages, entries need to be at Big Events Tent between 9 - 9:30 am. Awards categories include cake, pie, pastry, bread, cookie/bar and presentation, with judging directed by Janet Crane. MidWay Amusement Zone Nostalgic MidWay amusements will be part of the en- hanced daytime attractions on Memorial Park’s South Field. The amusements will include carnival-style at- tractions and a selection of games such as ring toss and spin-the-wheel games and bouncy and fun houses. Food Court This year’s food court vendor zone will be bigger with more choices (Baker Street side of Memorial Park’s South Field). Vendors will operate all day and we will be providing a dining area with sheltered and open-air tables and chairs. Circus Wristband Sales Online Family-owned and operated, the Zerbini Fam- ily Circus is an old-fashioned Circus perform- ing under the Big Top, rain or shine. The Zerbini family has been in the Circus business for over 250 years. Visit maplewoodcivic.org to select your choice of show time. Advance pur- chase discounts and group discounts are available online. New Website/ Social Media Our website/social media outlets will post times and details of activities that will be taking place throughout the day as well as other event information. Inclement weather information will be posted the morning of July 4. Website: maplewoodcivic.org. Like us on Facebook: “Maplewood 4th of July” for admission purchase and other details. Twitter: @maplewood4th. Maplewood’s Annual July Fourth celebration has been organized by the July Fourth Committee of the Maplewood Civic Association since 1902. Over a century ago, July Fourth was celebrated in Maplewood with a town-wide picnic, keynote speaker, athletic contests and barbecues. The Maplewood Civic Association was organized and dedicated to a tradition of family-oriented celebrations. Volunteer for the Fourth! Volunteers enable Maplewood’s July Fourth to continue as a community- wide endeavor. Sign up at maplewoodcivic.org! Local Groups Get Involved! Echoing a tradition of community and civic group participation, local nonprofit organizations, service clubs and neighborhood associations from the Maplewood and South Orange community have been invited to participate in this year’s celebration in a number of ways, from event planning, to hosting an activity on the Memorial Park fairgrounds, to staffing a tent that showcases the organization’s projects. Many local organizations make this event their annual tradition, including the Maplewood Rotary, South Mountain YMCA, Boy Scouts Troop 5, CHS Robotics Club, South Orange Rescue Squad, and CHS Cross Country and Track Teams. Many activities already part of July Fourth are available to host, such as games, contests, and exhibits. Local groups are also welcome to create one of their own. Be sure to check out the Dunk Tank fundraiser to benefit the Rescue Squad.