Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, III & IV • June 20, 2012 July 4 in Ridgewood is a very special day that the entire area looks forward to all year. This year’s theme is “Born in New Jersey.” Once again, the day’s events are being planned by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee. This all-volunteer community group that does not receive direct July 4 fireworks tickets on sale, ‘dandies’ sought funding from the Village of Ridgewood. Because of generous support from the community, Ridgewood has one of the best small town Independence Day celebrations. The committee invites citizens to help “Support the Tradition,” which is more advantageous this year. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration, Inc. is now a 501(c) 3 organization, so gifts are 100 percent tax deductible. The Fourth of July Parade Committee is currently seeking people born on July 4 to ride on its “Yankee Doodle Dandies” float. The first 15 people to respond will ride on the float, others may walk alongside. To register for the float, e-mail ridgewood4th@gmail.com. Please include name, age (optional for adults), and contact information. Respondents will be contacted with details. While the parade is free, fireworks tickets are required for entrance to Veterans Field. Donations for fireworks tickets are one of the celebration’s largest sources of income. Ticket sales cover the evening entertainment, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., and conclude with the fireworks display at dark. Proceeds also cover the bands that perform in the parade, and additional security and traffic control. Attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy some great entertainment. (Rain date: July 5.) For many years the cost of tickets remained the same, while costs increased. In recent years, the committee has had to increase ticket prices. It was a decision the committee made reluctantly in the face of rising costs. To keep the ticket prices as reasonable as possible for attendees, while covering costs, pre-sales of tickets are being made available through a wide range of local businesses. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages six through 12. Children five years old and under are admitted free of charge. Pre-sales of tickets are available at a reduced cost of $8 each and may be purchased at Backyard Living, 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood; Daily Treat, 177 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; Goffle Brook Farm, 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood; Harding Wines and Spirits, 305 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; Herold’s Farm & Garden Center, 909 Prospect Street, Glen Rock; Hillman Electric, 133 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; Hogan’s Restaurant Diner, 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park; Hoskins Propane, 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood; JT’s Wines and Spirits, 607 North Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus; La Strada, 231 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park; North Jersey Community Bank, 171 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; Ridgewood Auto Wash Co., 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock; Ridgewood Cycle Shop, 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood; The Wine Seller, 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood; and Town & Country Apothecary, 60 East (continued on next page)