Worldwide helium shortage won't deflate Plainfield's July 4th parade

Balloons, such as this patriotic star, are a traditional
treat at July 4th parades.

Despite a worldwide shortage of helium, which is used to inflate those giant balloons which are a July 4th staple, Plainfield's 96th Annual Central Jersey July 4 Celebration will step off on time and with a record number of floats and marching units.

"The City of Plainfield has put together an outstanding package of July 4th events," according to Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Veronica Taylor, adding that promotion of the July 4 events as part of the City's 150th anniversary is expected to increase attendance at all events.

In addition to the tradition of elected officials in celebratory sashes distributing trinkets to bystanders, this year's parade will feature floats representing various Plainfield organizations and those of nearby communities.

Marion L. Johnson (shown here with a proclamation
from her hometown Savannah, GA) and her husband
Frank are this year's Grand Marshals.

This year's grand marshals are Marion L. Johnson, a mathematician whose calculations helped make possible America's first moon landing in 1969, and her husband Frank.

Giving folks a break to enjoy picnics and barbecues at home after the parade, the festivities resume in Cedar Brook Park with an outdoor concert that gets under way at 4:00 PM and runs until dark.

Highlights of this year's concert will be --

• Vocalist Melba Moore
• The Trio Force M.D.S.
• The Full Force Brothers
• DeVerne and The Vintage Soul
• La Kontrol Salsa Band
• House Music Sensation Viola Sykes
• Exodus Supreme Caribbean Band
• New Generation Worship Center
• and DJ's Cheese, Bookeem, Storm Norm, and Tactics

 
The holiday celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

The Parade steps off at 10:00 AM Thursday July 4 at Johnston Avenue and East Front Street. While you may find it easier to park near the Eastern end of the parade route, true parade buffs enjoy the press of the crowds, vendors hawking their wares, and the exuberant patriotic costumes and accessories to be found near the Watchung and Park Avenue intersections.

Oh yes, the helium shortage this year means there will be no giant balloons.

While helium is the second most plentiful element, it is hard to come by as a gas. And, it is important and more urgently needed for medical purposes (MRI machines and other medical devices -- read more here), the National Weather Service (see here), and national security uses such as rockets (see here).

We'll be just fine, thank you.

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  -- Dan Damon [follow]

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