For the first time since 2019, the Township of Nutley welcomed back its annual 4th of July celebration to the Park Oval Monday night. An estimated crowd of over 5,000 residents and guests packed the center of town for a night of great food, great music and of course, great fireworks.

“What an incredible event,” said Nutley Mayor Joseph P. Scarpelli. “It was so wonderful to see all the excitement. There were people as far as you could see, all the way down to Centre Street and up and down Chestnut Street. It really felt like the community coming back together.”

The evening kicked off with DJ Rob Frannicola, who had the crowd dancing in the streets, and continued with an outstanding rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” by singer Suhayla Salcedo. Mayor Scarpelli then welcomed all. “This is a cooperative effort,” the Mayor stated. “We couldn’t put this on without all the Commissioners and our departments working together along with the Board of Education, who were a big help in putting this together tonight.”

With that, the Board of Commissioners counted down to an explosive show of fireworks.

“We have a long, long tradition of having one of the best fireworks shows in the country,” Scarpelli noted. “And I think this year was our best ever. The response we have received is amazing. It was like one big post-Covid coming out party for the Township. It was really nice to see so many smiling faces. It’s been a long time coming.”

Photo Credit: Justin Dolan