Rutherford Chamber of Commerce: 70th Holiday Parade and West End Festivities

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Flyer credits: Dan Meredith

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Holiday Parade will return on Saturday, November 26th. Of course, many of the traditional favorites will remain a staple in the Holiday Parade, however, some new exciting features have been added.

President of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, Dan Meredith, explained, “This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Parade. We’re honored to celebrate this day with our Grand Marshal ‘Ronald Darby” and all of our members and friends.”

This year there will be new additional activities taking place on the West End beginning at 2:30 pm. Blue Foundry Bank, which was renovated this year, will host Rutherford Rocks. There will be trackless train rides, giveaways from Blue Foundry Bank, and Luke and the Troublemakers will play holiday hits on a float until the parade begins at 4 pm. Blue Foundry Bank will have a collection area for homemade ornaments for the County’s Winter Wonderland Tree Competition.

Also on the West End, near Blue Foundry Bank, Black Belt Academy on Union Ave will have demonstrations and hands-on activities, Ferazzoli’s Restaurant, Crown Home Mortgage Nikii Marie’s Cakes Dunkin Donuts, Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas, and Rutso’s Barber Shop be giving away many different tasty treats.

Gloria and Ron Darby

This year’s Grand Marshal is Ron Darby, Broker and Co-Owner of ERA Justin Realty. His daughter and Co-Owner of ERA Justin Realty, told TIR, “It was such an honor for my dad to be asked to be the Grand Marshal for the Parade. As a longtime Rutherford business owner and resident of the town, his love for Rutherford runs deep. It was such a special surprise to learn he was being recognized in this way. We are so happy that the parade is back and we would like to thank the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce for this great honor.”

The parade will begin at 4 pm on Union Ave and travel through town to the Tree Lighting in front of the Rutherford Public Library. Dan Meredith told TIR, “This parade is a celebration and an example of how multiple community organizations, local businesses, first responders, residents, and our municipality can come together to create a special day for everyone to enjoy.” Community groups such as the Scouts, Rutherford Education Foundation, RHS Marching Band, RHS Football team, Rutherford Irish Association, and many more will be marching in the parade. Businesses such as Sweepreme, Backstage Performing Arts Academy, Web Samurai for Hire, BR Auto Service, and many more will also be in the parade.