MEDIA ADVISORY:

July 2, 2024

CONTACT:

Derek Sands

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MEDIA ADVISORY – RIDGEFIELED PARK – WEDNESDAY

BERGEN STAR-SPANGLED SPECTACULAR SNEAK PREVIEW PERFORMANCE BY NJ WIND SYMPHONY

WHAT: County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of County Commissioners, and the County Parks Department invite members of the media and the general public to the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park on Wednesday, July 3^rd at 6:15 p.m. for a sneak preview of Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular 4^th of July extravaganza as the New Jersey Wind Symphony conducts a dress rehearsal performance.

Members of the media are invited preview the event. County Executive Jim Tedesco and New Jersey Wind Symphony Director Chris Wilhjelm will be available for interview opportunities.

 

Where: The Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park, 199 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ

When: Wednesday, July 3^rd at 6:15 p.m.

Media: Open but please confirm attendance with Derek Sands, 201-250-6080 so reserved parking can be arranged.

For more information about Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony, please visit www.BergenJuly4th.com or see the following press release pasted below.

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BERGEN COUNTY’S STAR-SPANGLED SPECTACULAR SET TO BECOME NEW 4^TH OF JULY TRADITION

County, NJ Wind Symphony partner to bring July 4^th concert & fireworks celebration to Overpeck County Park

 

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ — County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the County Parks Department are excited to announce that the County of Bergen has partnered with the New Jersey Wind Symphony to bring a new special event to Overpeck County Park this 4^th of July.

Building upon the New Jersey Wind Symphony’s successful “Pop Goes the 4^th” event in Overpeck County Park last year which featured a performance of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with live artillery from two Howitzer cannons, this July 4^th, Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony will offer residents a festive afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a historic military flyover, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.

Festivities are set to begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Ridgefield Park section of Overpeck County Park where local acts including the New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra from Ridgefield Park and renowned Teaneck Jazz musician Reggie Pittman will kick off the celebration at the Amphitheater. Before the New Jersey Wind Symphony takes the stage, the evening will feature additional performances from recording artists including Leslie Mendelson, Jake Thistle, and Kristen Plumley.

“The County is thrilled to announce our partnership with the New Jersey Wind Symphony for this spectacular new event at Overpeck County Park,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Not only are we welcoming the return of fireworks to Overpeck County Park, but we are also setting the stage as we build towards the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 2026. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring the whole family to witness Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony this 4^th of July as we celebrate our nation’s history together.”

“We are profoundly grateful to Bergen County for their partnership in bringing the 4th of July concert and fireworks to Overpeck County Park and allowing us to build upon last year’s wonderful concert,” said Chris Wilhjelm, Music Director for the New Jersey Wind Symphony. “It is our honor at the New Jersey Wind Symphony to perform once again in Overpeck County Park on the 4^th of July in celebration of our nation's founding and we look forward to making the Star-Spangled Spectacular a memorable event that uplifts the spirit of our community and ignites the joy of Independence Day."

“I'm proud to see Bergen County partnering with the New Jersey Wind Symphony to bring this exhilarating event to Overpeck County Park as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Commissioner Steven Tanelli. “This collaboration not only enhances our Fourth of July festivities but also underscores our commitment to providing memorable experiences for our residents and visitors.”

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony schedule:

3:00 p.m. – New Jersey Youth Jazz Orchestra

4:15 p.m. – Reggie Pittman band

5:00 p.m. – Jake Thistle

5:45 p.m. – Leslie Mendelson

6:45 p.m. – Welcome greetings

7:20 p.m. – New Jersey Wind Symphony featuring Kristen Plumley

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks show

Pre-show performances and festivities for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony will start at 3 p.m. on July 4^th. The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform at 7:20 p.m. For event updates and additional performance announcements, follow the Bergen County Parks System on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.BergenJuly4th.com. Check out the event ad on YouTube here!

The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform a dress rehearsal on July 3^rd that will be open to the public without the booming special effects from the cannons and fireworks. A rain date for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is scheduled for July 5^th in the event poor weather.

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is an official event of Bergen250, an initiative spearheaded by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs within the Bergen County Department of Parks aimed at commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture. The County would like to thank presenting sponsor, KABR Group for their partnership of this event.

Parking accommodations and fireworks viewing:

Event parking for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular will be available in the Ridgefield Park and Henry Hoebel sections of Overpeck County Park. Additional offsite parking will be available at the Glenpointe Alfred Sanzari Building parking garage in Teaneck and the KABR Group parking lots on Challenger Road in Ridgefield Park. Complimentary shuttle transportation to the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park will be available thanks to Bergen County’s Division of Community Transportation.

Additional parking for fireworks viewing will be available at the Palisades Park section of Overpeck County Park. However, there will be no shuttle transportation from the Palisades Park section of Overpeck County Park.

For a full map of parking and viewing sites, click here.

Bergen 250 Initiative

Bergen 250 is the County of Bergen’s official ad hoc committee tasked with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture. Through the joint efforts of Bergen County’s historic sites, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, and local businesses, the county seeks to advance the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism, and scholarship in New Jersey. The initiative was formally codified by the County Board of Commissioners by resolution on January 17, 2024. The committee strives to promote the maximum involvement of Bergen County residents, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, historical and civic organizations, and institutions in the commemorations.

New Jersey Wind Symphony

Founded in 1983 as the Ridgewood Concert Band, the New Jersey Wind Symphony (NJWS) strives to promote wind music and adult bands to the surrounding community and beyond by providing high quality performances that engage and inspire all our listeners. NJWS members are accomplished wind and percussion players, with day jobs ranging from lawyer to band director, who volunteer their time and talents.

NJWS programs have drawn critical attention for their variety and depth - ranging from light classics and famous marches, to cutting edge new compositions by today’s brilliant composers. The NJWS is regularly joined by soloists from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and other nationally renowned performers and conductors.  The NJWS has released multiple albums, has performed on the East Coast and overseas, and is actively engaged with area schools and young musicians. To learn more about the NJWS and our mission, visit: njwindsymphony.org.

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