Event Recap: Rutherford Chamber of Commerce 73rd Holiday Parade

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Rutherford residents

One of Rutherford's longest-standing traditions, the 73rd Rutherford Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, took place on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The parade traveled from the West End to the Rutherford Public Library on Park Avenue, where the Christmas tree lighting took place.

As in years past, groups of children marched with their Scout troops and sports teams. Festively decorated cars and trucks escorted business members, sports teams, church groups, and others. Clubs, businesses, and organizations marched with banners. The Rutherford High School marching band played festive music along the parade route.

This year's Grand Marshal was the Rutherford Fire Department. The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce was proud to honor our community's all-volunteer fire department, whose members dedicate their time protecting residents of our Borough and neighboring communities. This year, Union Truck & Bucket Company No. 1 will celebrate its 150th Anniversary. For 150 years, the Rutherford Fire Department has been an integral part of the community.

There were three floats in the parade as well. The Santa Float sponsored by BCB Bank made stops at schools in Rutherford before leading the parade, and then became the review stand where the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce announced the parade participants. Local youth band, Fretless, performed on the West End in front of Blue Foundry Bank before the parade. During the parade, Fretless, continued to perform on their float sponsored by Blue Foundry Bank and the Williams Center. BreakTime, a 1960's tribute and originals band, played on a float sponsored by Cates Electric.