The Show Will Go On

Recreation Director Dave Wynn has rounded up some local talent and there will be a July 4th concert after all.

Wynn's previous concert proposals, one to use $100,000 in UEZ funds and one to use $55,000 in unused Inspections funds, were both rejected by the City Council. The latter bid would have brought headliners Floetry and Howard Hewitt to the city to round out the day's festivities that include the traditional parade and fireworks.

Now, Wynn said, he will use part of the Independence Day budget to put on a concert featuring the Spice Band, the Toys, Adrienne Sykes, J. Bounce and Mac, Force of Attack, C.P. Lacey and Viola Sykes.

The concert will begin at 4 p.m. in Cedar Brook Park.

The 83rd Annual 4th of July Celebration begins with the parade along Front Street at 10 a.m., with a Judges' Stand at the new county building between Park and Madison avenues. The concert will be followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

City Council President Ray Blanco, who opposed the two other concert proposals, said Friday, "When I meet seniors and working people who are selling their homes in Plainfield because they cannot afford to pay their taxes, then I cannot in good conscience allow the expenditure of such sums for a one-time event. It is just plain wrong."

But Blanco added, "I am confident that the Recreation Department will do an extraordinary job with this year's parade."

--Bernice Paglia