Morris leaders: Parades are work ... and a perk

MENDHAM – Marching in parades is part of the job for elected officials, even on Labor Day. But Morris County leaders attending the borough’s 63rd annual Labor Day parade say — as the song goes — it’s nice work if you can get it.

“There’s good days and bad days in any job. This is a good day,” said Sen. Anthony R. Bucco, who opted for a ride in a vintage 1968 Pontiac GTO instead of walking the parade route, which started on Main Street before turning onto Mountain Avenue. “Yeah, I’m working, absolutely. They claim being a legislator is a part-time position, but here I am on Labor Day, and I’m seeing my constituents and hearing what they have to say.”

“I think it’s not only a part of the job, it’s about respect,” said Freeholder John Cesaro. “One of the biggest gripes people have in general, not just in Morris County or in New Jersey, is people don’t know who their elected officials are. It really means a lot when we show up.”

Cesaro’s Labor Day schedule included two work shifts, one in Mendham and one at home.

“I bought my son a Lego set and I have to help him build it,” he said.

“I feel it’s part of my job, but I also like being here,” said Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi. “I like seeing all of the other elected officials, and getting to see the people. These are the people we serve.”

Grossi added her husband also was working on Labor Day, but hoped they would be relaxing by the pool after his shift ended at 2 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) was on the job for the 35th Labor Day in Mendham, by his estimation.

“It’s one of the nicest parades besides the Boonton parade (another Labor Day weekend tradition), which I have been going to for a similar amount of time,” Frelinghuysen said. “I went to a street fair in Pompton Lakes yesterday, I also went to Nutley for their street fair. And after this, I am going to Riverdale for their street fair. It’s important as a member of Congress to be out there talking with the people. I do that when I’m running or not running (for re-election). I’m not running this year, but I hope to be next year.”

Bucco and Frelinghuysen both added the Labor Day holiday also commemorates the American labor force and the history of the labor movement in the United States.

The history of the holiday, in fact, is rooted in the Garden State.

President Grover Cleveland, who was born in Caldwell and died in Princeton, established the Labor Day holiday in 1887. Early Labor Day events in New Jersey included commemorations of the Paterson silk strike of 1913, according to Bucco and the American Labor Museum in Haledon.

“Labor Day is a holiday supporting and recognizing the labor movement from years ago and I think it’s important that we do understand what it means for the workers of this country, to be thought of and know that people care about their labors,” Bucco said. “I think a lot of it started in Paterson with the silk workers, with the sweat shops, and correcting what was happening there.”

Employees of businesses along East Main Street also were at work, engaging the annual surge in foot traffic. The staff at Turpin Realtors offered coffee to visitors while employees at the Audi Mendham dealership handed out free balloons. Vendors also pushed carts along the route, selling balloons, toys and soap-bubble guns.

At least one politician took the day off — Lou Garubo, who retired from the borough council last year after 27 years of public service and was honored as this year’s parade grand marshal.

“We usually select an older person to be grand marshal,” said Garubo with a laugh. “I hate to be the center of attention, but it’s an honor.”

“Youngest-looking grand marshal I’ve ever seen here,” Frelinghuysen said of Garubo, 70.

Cruising in a yellow Mustang convertible, Garubo led the parade, which included traditional music from high school and regional marching bands, military representatives including the Tin Can Soldiers, horse-mounted police in dress uniforms and a colorful, noisy caravan of fire trucks.

Another well-known borough man, Sal Grievo, took the day off and attended the parade. Grievo, who will celebrate his 94th birthday next month (and a 72nd anniversary with his wife, Rose), got an early start and a shady spot to set his chair directly in front of the gazebo-reviewing stand on Mountain Avenue.

“I’ve been here every year except one,” Grievo said. “I had a heart-valve operation last year, so I missed it. But I’m back this year.”

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.