Revolution 250 Parade Honors History in Scotch Plains, NJ

Scotch Plains Marks 250 Years With a Walk Down Park Avenue

George Washington walked down Park Avenue again on June 26.

Well, John Koopman did, portraying George Washington and leading a fife and drum corps, real descendants from the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, and a crowd of Scotch Plains neighbors through the township's Revolution 250 Celebration. The event marked America's 250th anniversary and gave the community a chance to step back into its Colonial roots for an afternoon. Union County Life was there to see the pageantry unfold along one of the town's main streets.

The parade began with something quieter first. At Scotch Plains Baptist Church, residents gathered for a ceremony honoring the 38 Revolutionary War veterans buried there, a reminder that the town's ties to the founding era run deeper than a single afternoon of celebration.

Dennis Mayer, Commander of American Legion Post 209 in Scotch Plains, spoke about the country's staying power through hardship, invoking the Revolution, the World Wars, the Great Depression, and more recent tragedies as proof of a resilient national character. He told the crowd that honoring the nation's 250th year should not mark an ending point but the start of a new chapter.

Mayor Josh Losardo also addressed the gathering, framing the anniversary as a shared inheritance for every resident of the township, regardless of background. He spoke about the value of self government and the freedoms residents often take for granted, and said he felt fortunate to celebrate the day alongside his neighbors.

From there, the parade moved down Park Avenue toward the Municipal Building, drawing residents to the sidewalks to watch the Colonial era procession pass by. At the end of the route, the Scotch Plains Fire Department raised a 30 by 20 foot American flag, giving the day's festivities a fitting backdrop.

At Town Hall, the township also opened a time capsule, giving residents a rare look back at pieces of Scotch Plains history sealed away for the occasion.

The celebration did not come together on its own. The Scotch Plains Revolution 250 Committee, chaired by Tom Strowe, pulled together a long list of local partners, including Scotch Plains Baptist Church, the Preserve Shady Rest Committee, the Osborn Cannonball House and Scotch Plains Fanwood Historical Society, the Frazee House Foundation, the Scotch Plains Public Library, the Scotch Plains Fanwood school district, the Stage House Tavern, town historian Bill Picard, Mayor Losardo, and Township Manager Margaret Heisey. Zoning official Bob LaCosta, the township's Recreation Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and Rescue Squad, American Legion Post 209, and Apple Blossom Flower Shop also lent their support.

Find more Scotch Plains events, arts coverage, and community news from around Union County on Union County Life.



FAQ

What was the Revolution 250 Celebration in Scotch Plains?
It was a parade and ceremony held June 26, 2026, marking America's 250th anniversary, featuring John Koopman portraying George Washington, a fife and drum group, and descendants from the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Where did the parade take place?
The parade traveled down Park Avenue in Scotch Plains, from Scotch Plains Baptist Church to the Municipal Building.

Was there a ceremony honoring veterans?
Yes. A ceremony at Scotch Plains Baptist Church honored the 38 Revolutionary War veterans buried at the church.

Who spoke at the event?
American Legion Post 209 Commander Dennis Mayer and Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo both addressed the crowd.

Who organized the celebration?
The Scotch Plains Revolution 250 Committee, chaired by Tom Strowe, organized the event with support from local churches, historical societies, township departments, and businesses.