Boat Parade Navigator and Fleet Leader Bill Schultz (center), who is also the Raritan Riverkeeper, shows where boats will gather at the start of the “First Annual Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes Boat Parade.” Shown in the photo from left to right are Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes Chairman Barry Rosengarten, Schultz, and Boat Parade Co-Captain Gary Rumpf, who is volunteering his time as a representative of the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District. The registration for the Boat Parade will close on June 16, for more information call 732-588-6860. s *Photo by Perth Amboy BID
Boaters Can Still Join the Patriotic Flotilla on July 3rd and Get a Perfect View of the Fireworks
Press Release 6/1/18
PERTH AMBOY/SOUTH AMBOY – Boaters from across Raritan Bay can proudly show their patriotic spirit by joining the “First Annual Celebrate Our Stars & Stripes Boat” Parade, which is scheduled for Tuesday, July 3rd. The nautical procession is presented by Perth Amboy and South Amboy to mark America’s Independence Day. Also, the Parade recognizes the by warriors – past and present – in the United States Army and Air Force as well as those who serve on waters close to home and around the world in the U.S. Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and local marine police.
Boat owners are already planning to outfit their vessels with bedazzling lights and all kinds of creative decorations. The fleet will cruise along the waterfront in Perth Amboy, follow the shoreline to South Amboy, and then gather a safe, 1500 feet from the barges that are used to launch spectacular fireworks. The boats will be in place at 9:15 PM when the world-renowned Garden State Fireworks will start its sensational pyrotechnics display to celebrate the nation’s birthday. The inaugural boat parade and fireworks are presented by the non-profit Celebrate Our Stars and Stripes organization, and the Honorary Chairs are Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz and South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry.
The Amboys are distinguishing their Independence Day celebration by staging the Parade on the open water. Boaters are asked to respond now and register their seaworthy craft by Saturday, June 16 at 11:59 PM. Sailors, motor boaters and owners of commercial vessels can sign up at www.Celebratestarsandstripes.com/boatparade. All fees to participate in the boat parade have been waived.
Boat Parade Co-Captains Gary Rumpf and Jeff Steuber, who represent the Perth Amboy Business Improvement District, are volunteering their time to recruit boaters. The Co-Captains said, “We’re expecting a dazzling display of lavishly decorated boats. From the shoreline, thousands of visitors will see the yachts, sailboats and skiffs with colorful lights strung from bow to stern and from the waterline to the top of the fishing towers and masts. Our boaters are adorning their vessels with red, white and blue banners, flags and bunting.”
Boaters with questions about registering or participating can contact Mr. Steuber. Email him at jcsteuber@celebratestarsandstripes.comor call 732-588-6860. The rain date for the boat parade is
July 5.
Officials at the United States Coast Guard have carefully reviewed and approved the route for the Celebrate Stars & Stripes Boat Parade. Parade Navigator and Fleet Leader Bill Schultz, who is the Raritan Riverkeeper, is charged with charting the course for the armada of cruising craft, which will gather near the Outerbridge Crossing. Piloting the lead boat, Fleet Leader Schultz will safely guide the boats around Raritan Bay.
“I’m hoping that the Boat Parade will become an annual event, and everyone is working hard to show the best of our cities,” said, Celebrate Our Stars and Stripes Committee Co-Chairman Michael “Mickey” Gross, who is also President of the South Amboy City Council. “To help us succeed, we ask you to enlist your crew, decorate the craft and be part of the fun – and get a front row berth for watching the fireworks show!”
Celebrate Our Stars and Stripes Chairman Barry Rosengarten handles hundreds of details that go into organizing and managing the fireworks and boat parade. Mr. Rosengarten also coordinates the fundraising for the events and all covered by private donations made by companies, not-for-profits and individuals.
An experienced sailor, Mr. Rosengarten said, “Our scenic shoreline and the Raritan Bay are precious resources, and we present the magnificent fireworks display and launch the boat parade to showcase our glorious waterfront. We host the Independence Day celebration to remember, honor and uphold the values of American men and women who toiled, sacrificed and strived in many positive ways to build, protect and defend our nation.”
For more information about the First Stars & Stripes Boat Parade and Celebrate Fireworks extravaganza, visit http://www.celebratestarsandstripes.com. To make a tax deductible contribution, clink on the GoFundMe link: www.gofundme.com/celebratestarsandstripes).
