Nutley Mayor Thanks Community for Successful Fourth of July

To the Editor:

I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s 4th of July Festivities another great community event. The day started with the Kids’ Firecracker Competition, which was a huge success with over 300 children in attendance.  

Relay races, sack races, hula-hoop competitions, ball throws and other games attracted kids from 2 to 12 years old. Medals and ribbons were given to the winners and everyone in attendance was treated to Italian Ice donated by Rita’s.

The evening events, centered on Franklin Avenue in front of the Middle School, featured DJ John Macaluso from Mystical Entertainment, and a truly moving performance by Nutley’s own Cecilia Mielnicki.  The highlight of the evening was the video debut of the HOPE for Nutley’s Flashmob featuring many Nutley students.  The day ended with the spectacular Fireworks in the Oval.

I want to give a special thank you to the many people that helped make this year’s Fourth of July Celebration a success.  The Department of Parks & Recreation, Department of Public Works, Nutley Board of Education, Brenda Sherman, Tom Sposato, Kim Saporito, Detective Michael Padilla, Department of Public Safety, Nutley FMBA  for donating water during the morning events, and also, the many student volunteers who showed us what volunteer spirit is by helping all morning with the Kids’ Firecracker Competition.

They made us proud!

Alphonse Petracco