The UC Scoop - May 19, 2025

Parades to Picnics: Union County’s Summer Launch

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and it’s a time for us to come together in gratitude and remembrance. As we honor the brave men and women who served our country, we’ll also be marking the unofficial start of summer with parades, ceremonies, and moments of reflection. Whether you’re lining the streets for a procession or pausing at a local memorial, this weekend invites us all to cherish the freedoms we enjoy.

The Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off summer in Union County. The farmers markets swell with fresh, vibrant produce. Outdoor concerts light up downtown parks under warm evening skies. Craft fairs, pop-up shops, and guided nature walks beckon you to explore and connect. In this issue of The UC Scoop, we’ve rounded up the best happenings to help you dive into the season. Let’s make this summer one to remember!

Memorial Day Parades and Events

Union Township Veterans’ Alliance Memorial Day Parade & Encampment
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
High Street & Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
Join the Township of Union Veterans’ Alliance as they march from the VFW Post, featuring Clydesdale horses, historic war reenactments, floats, and live music by the Uptown String Band. After the parade, gather at Veterans Honor Roll & Memorial Park for a Revolutionary War battle demonstration at 11:30 AM and a formal program at noon—perfect for all ages to honor those who served.

Westfield Memorial Day Parade & BBQ
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Memorial Plaza, Westfield
Westfield kicks off Memorial Day with a 10:00 AM remembrance ceremony at Memorial Plaza, followed by the traditional parade down East Broad Street. After the march, stick around for a complimentary BBQ hosted by the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3—complete with classic picnic fare and community camaraderie.

Summit Annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM)
25 Deforest Avenue to Village Green, Summit
Summit’s American Legion and local VFW post lead the parade assembly behind 25 Deforest Avenue at 9:30 AM, marching through downtown to the Village Green for a solemn ceremony. Enjoy patriotic music, wreath-laying, and guest speakers honoring Union County’s veterans in this time-honored tradition.

Rahway Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday, May 25, 2025 (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
City Hall Plaza, Rahway
Gather at City Hall Plaza for Rahway’s annual Memorial Day Parade, featuring local first responders, scout troops, and youth organizations. The procession concludes back at the plaza for a brief ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, where wreaths are laid and speeches are given in tribute to the fallen.

Kenilworth Memorial Day Flag Deployment
Saturday, May 24, 2025 (8:00 AM)
Graceland Memorial Park, Kenilworth
Volunteers are invited to place flags on veterans’ graves for this annual Memorial Day tradition. Meet at the Kenilworth Veterans Center for breakfast at 8:00 AM, then head to Graceland Memorial Park to assist with the flag deployment. Stay afterward for hotdogs and fellowship at the Veterans Center.

Scotch Plains–Fanwood Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Park Avenue between East 2nd Street & Front Street, Scotch Plains
The annual Scotch Plains–Fanwood Memorial Day events begin with a 10:00 AM ceremony honoring fallen heroes, followed by a 10:45 AM parade down Park Avenue. Local bands, marching units, and civic groups participate, culminating in a community concert at the Fanwood train station.