Let Freedom Ring on Independence Day

Before you leave the house for your Fourth of July celebrations, Chatham Patch has a few reminders for you:

If you are heading off to f, remember to plan a detour that will not take you along Main Street between Hillside and Lafayette Avenues.

If you are going to the parade, remember to for the parade and the following fair and fireworks show.

And as always, remember to check out the Five Things You Need to Know Today:

1. You need to know when the festivities start: A morning gun salute will take place at 8 a.m. at the Chatham Borough Fire Department, so when you hear that sound, rest assured that the British are not coming.
2. You need to know about sunscreen: The National Weather Service predicts a high of 90 degrees with a mostly sunny sky, so you may want to put on some sunscreen before you leave the house (and maybe a little more to reapply during the day).
3. You need to know about closures: All government buildings are closed on Monday for Independence Day.
4. You need to know who (and what) to look for in the parade: Expect local swim teams from Noe and Colony Pool, and keep an eye out for the among the Chatham Borough Fire Department vehicles.
5. You need to know that New Jersey gets a bad rap: The Garden State suffers a lot of abuse. People in the rest of the country ask if everyone is like the characters from "Jersey Shore" and forget that New Jersey has an Ivy League institution, the birthplace of the light bulb and of creative minds from Bon Jovi to Zach Braff, and that prosperity is promised right there in the state motto. During Be Nice to New Jersey Week, which ends Saturday, it’s okay to be extra vigilant in your defense.

Chatham Patch wishes all of our readers a very Happy Fourth of July, and extends its thanks to the community for all their support.