Boonton Fire Department Marks 135th Year With Parade and Carnival

The Boonton Fire Department marked a significant milestone this past weekend by celebrating its 135th year of service to the community. The department organized a series of events that included a formal parade and a public carnival to honor the occasion. These activities took place over Labor Day weekend, drawing residents from across Morris County to participate in the festivities.

A Historic Parade Down Main Street

Fire officers, a color guard, and marching units led the procession down Main Street on Saturday afternoon. John Osborne of the department was named grand marshal for the event, serving as a key figure in the celebration. Boonton Mayor James Lynch greeted members of the department as they lined up along Main Street ahead of the official start of the parade.

The parade served as a public display of the department's long history and its continued role in local civic life. The presence of marching units and a color guard highlighted the formal nature of the anniversary observance. Residents gathered along the route to watch the procession and support the local fire service.

Carnival Activities at High School Field

Following the parade, the celebration moved to the Boonton High School field on Lathrop Avenue for the annual Labor Day carnival. The event ran on Saturday starting at 3:30 p.m., filling the grounds with rides, games, and food stands. The Boonton Fire Department hosted the carnival as a way to engage families and neighbors in a festive atmosphere.

Crowds filled the field to enjoy the various attractions set up for the weekend. Food stands provided refreshments while children and adults alike participated in games and rode the carnival rides. The event was part of a larger weekend that included the department's anniversary parade, creating a continuous day of community engagement.

Local Officials Join Community Celebrations

Sheriff Jim Gannon was present at both the Rockaway Football Pep Rally and the Boonton Carnival during the Labor Day weekend. He described the time spent with neighbors, families, and volunteers as always great for making communities special. His attendance underscored the collaborative spirit between law enforcement and local organizations during holiday events.

The sheriff also extended good wishes to all teams for the upcoming season while enjoying the festivities. His presence at the Boonton Carnival alongside the fire department's events highlighted the strong ties between different branches of public service in the district. These interactions provided a backdrop for residents to connect with their local leaders.

Students Head to College and New Events Loom

Beyond the holiday celebrations, local students from Boonton are moving on to higher education as part of the new academic year. Eric Davis and Shaun Galloway, both residents of Boonton, have enrolled at James Madison University as members of the incoming freshman class. Davis plans to major in Accounting while Galloway intends to study Finance.

The enrollment of these students marks another chapter for young people from the town who are pursuing degrees outside the immediate area. Their participation in the university's freshman class adds to the growing number of Morris County students attending the institution. This trend reflects the educational paths being taken by residents of the 11th Congressional District.

Looking ahead, local organizers have announced plans for a punk music festival called Boonton Warped scheduled for the weekend of 2026. The event promises a lineup of punk, riot grrl, and other punk-adjacent bands along with local vendors selling artisan goods. While the date is in the future, the announcement signals ongoing interest in bringing diverse cultural events to the town.

The combination of historical celebrations, educational milestones, and future entertainment plans paints a picture of an active and evolving community. Residents continue to find reasons to gather, whether for a 135-year-old tradition or a new music festival. These events collectively strengthen the social fabric of Boonton and its surrounding neighborhoods.