The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - West Orange concluded its week-long celebration of its 150th birthday with fireworks and fun activities at West Orange High School.

 

The Annual Lefty Boland track meet brought out athletes from around town. Tim VanCauwenberge was named Best Male Athlete and Alina Chant was named Top Female athlete. Justin Fried won the Apple Pie Eating Contest. Mayor Rob Parisi was on hand to give out medals to all the winners. Total Soul, a renowned Motown group in the NY-NJ area, provided the entertainment, which included a rousing rendition of "Shout" for their finale. The Rotary Club did a brisk business selling snacks and refreshments, with money earmarked for their scholarship fund.

 

The culmination of the evening was, of course, the fireworks, which featured a special finale: a huge "150" was lit off, suspended from the top of a cherry picker truck. Thousands turned out to view the fireworks, filling the field and surrounding area.

 

Thanks to the 150th committee, WOPD, WOFD, CERT volunteers, the DPW, the Rotary, and Bill Boland, the "Voice of July 4th."