“We generally plan for 1,000 people,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli in the midst of a celebratory crowd of residents and their guests. “There’s got to be a couple of thousand people here for sure.”
It was a joyous early Independence Day in Secaucus, as the town threw a free party at the Swim Club on July 2. Festivities started around 4 p.m., with food served beginning at 6, a band at 7, and fireworks at 9.
“We got here about 5,” said resident Joseph Votteler, attending with his family. “And it was packed then. I’ve never seen it this crowded. Never. They had plenty of food, mixed dishes.”
“We served food for two and a half hours till we ran out.” –Michael Gonnelli
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“We served food for two and a half hours till we ran out,” said Gonnelli with a smile.
Darlene had a theory about why the event was so popular this year. “I think the way it fell, because it’s a Thursday, people still have the long weekend, but they’re not leaving until Friday morning.”
Whatever the reason, the grounds were filled with toddlers having fun, kids just out of school enjoying the beginning of summer, adults kicking back to relax, and everyone swimming and feasting, listening to good music and watching the sky light up with fireworks.
Music and more
Good Vibrations, a Beach Boys cover band, played for hours to a large crowd gathered on lawn chairs, while guests got up and danced on the grass to their favorite tunes. The newly installed couches on the patio were filled with people chilling on the warm afternoon. Families spread out in the cabanas or on blankets, while their children played in the splash park, lined up for the slide or the diving board, or enjoyed the activities in the playground.
“I remember this when it was still part of the woods,” said resident Steve Massa about the Swim Club complex. “It had to be in like ’79 they built this. Before that the woods went all the way out to the curb.”
Massa was attending with his daughter Siena, 3, and son Steve, 5. “I live right down Koelle Boulevard,” he said. “I can see the fireworks from my house. Usually we just stand in my yard, but the kids were like, ‘Oh, let’s go to the pool, it’s hot.’ There’s a big turnout here tonight. We’re having fun.”
Gerald Marra was another resident who usually didn’t attend the annual festivities at the pool but made an exception this year. “It’s my daughter Susan’s birthday today,” he said. “She lives right over here and from her backyard we can see the fireworks. I had my relatives over one year and we all sat out in the back yard, we had a barbecue and we had our own fireworks show.”
Marra, whose father opened Marra’s Drug Store in town more than 90 years ago, had another reason to enjoy the fireworks this year. “My grandson is with the fire department. He’s only a teenager. He’s studying to be a fireman. Yesterday he said, ‘Grandpa, I’m going to be in charge of the fireworks.’ Because the firemen have to watch for safety.”
Friends and fireworks
Kulwant Mand was visiting relatives in Secaucus along with her daughter Damneet and son Suki. They had traveled from their home in Tanzania to shop for Damneet’s upcoming wedding and were having a grand time at the festivities.
In Tanzania, “Fireworks are not allowed,” said Kulwant as they stood with the crowd gazing at the skies.
Residents Roger and Tanya Pragados brought along their own food and camped out at one of the picnic tables for the day. They invited Tanya’s coworker, Lekesha Morton, and her family.
“My wife and I bring our kids over to the Kerasotes movie theater [in Secaucus], the shopping area, but I had no idea there was actually a community here,” said her husband, Justin. “So this is my first time seeing a residential community in Secaucus. This is a new experience for us. Usually we see the fireworks at Liberty State Park but this is nice to have kind of a prelude into July 4.”
“This was lovely,” said Lekesha when the fireworks concluded. “I really enjoyed myself. I’ve never been to any of the events in Secaucus. I’m going to have to find out what else is going on.”
Retirees Michael Pineles and his wife Freyda were newcomers to the Swim Club as well. Living in West Orange and about to move to Florida, they were invited by friends to attend and brought their grandkids, Jonathan Billauer and his twin sisters, Emily and Alyssa.
“But they’re not identical,” said Jonathan. “They’re opposites.”
“We’re six and a half,” offered Emily.
“I’m 8.7,” said Jonathan.
The kids didn’t bring bathing suits but had a great day regardless, playing in the bouncy houses and on the playground. “This is one of the nicest town pools I’ve ever seen,” said their grandfather. “It’s beautiful. It’s much nicer than West Orange.”
“And I just have to say, people in Secaucus are really very nice,” added Freyda.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.