The Annual Brookside 4th of July Parade will be held on Wednesday July 4th beginning at 9 am. The route runs from the intersection of Tingley Road and East Main Street to the Community Club at the end of East Main Street. The annual parade, sponsored by the Brookside Community Club, will honor the Mendham Township First Aid Squad as Grand Marshals as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary this year. The squad, founded in 1968 by Ernie Maw, has been serving the community of Mendham Township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year on a totally volunteer basis. Also being honored with this year’s Community Service Award are Diane and Sam Tolley. The Tolleys have been very active in the community over the years with Diane serving on multiple boards in town while also being the current President of the Brookside Engine Company Ladies Auxiliary. Sam is a former mayor and Township Committeeman who has also served on various boards and committees. Most notably, he is an Ex-Chief of the Brookside Engine Company #1 where he has served for over 38 years. This year’s theme is “Our American Heroes”. The community club wishes to invite all veterans in the community to participate in the parade this year. Please contact Evan “Buzzy” Thomas to enter. Some of the marching bands participating this year include the Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, The Shore Brass Band, and Rory O’ Moore Bagpipes and Drums. Other groups include the Concrete Donkeys, the West Morris Community Band among others. After the parade, there will be field games, pony rides, bounce houses, beverages by the Brookside Engine Company #1, and lunch sponsored by the Mendham Rotary Club. The parade committee requests your help! The event is run solely with donations and any contribution towards “The Grandest Little Hometown Parade in America” is greatly appreciated. To enter a float, group, or anything else, contact Evan “Buzzy” Thomas at 201-738-7881.