Ridgewood residents stake claim to parade spot

Although it is not for two more days, many who wish to view Ridgewood's Fourth of July parade this year have already staked claim to where they will view it.
"You can see chairs a week ahead of time," says Kim Casey of Ho-Ho-Kus, who was claiming her spot Thursday morning. "I'm a little late in the game."
Many of the streets along the parade route are lined with all types of chairs. Some have been there for nearly two weeks already. Many residents say it is a tradition almost as old as the parade itself.
"Probably a week to two weeks ahead of time people start bringing chairs out and people put chairs in the same spot," says Ridgewood resident Tom Post. "It's a whole family that comes out."
Many of the chairs are tied to poles and trees, but residents say most adhere to an honor system in order to maintain their spot.
The 105th annual parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The theme this year is "American Innovation." The town will hold a fireworks display Saturday evening.