On September 20, a Motorcade will ride through Raritan in place of the annual Basilone Parade!
On that Sunday, starting at 1 p.m., the motorcade of dozens of vehicles will go through the streets of Raritan in honor of John Basilone. The public is encouraged to cheer on this motorcade from their lawns or from any spot on the route. A map can be viewed here: https://www.raritanboro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/map-basilone-motorcade.jpg.
The motorcade will finish around 2 p.m. at the Basilone Statue, where a brief (and safe) ceremony will be held.
There will be a photo competition for this event. Both those watching and those riding are encouraged to take photos of the motorcade, ceremony, or of themselves - dressed in patriotic attire of course. Email your best 5 photos to basiloneparade@gmail.com. Winners will receive a gift certificate to a local Raritan business.
Those who have a “military vehicle” or a “vehicle that will have military personnel in it” are welcome to be in the motorcade. But you must register in advance. To do so, email the parade committee at basiloneparade@gmail.com. Please register early as only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed.
The meeting location for the vehicles riding in the motorcade will be on Prospect Place (by the old Washington School Location) starting at noon.
Everyone must bring their own vehicle. No one will be permitted to walk with the motorcade. For safety reasons no candy or other objects can be thrown to the crowd.
The motorcade is a good one-time replacement for the annual parade which cannot be held this year due to the coronavirus.
So make sure to mark your calendars for Sunday, September 20 @ 1 p.m. !