Bears in and among West Milford's roadways are likely to become much more prevalent on Sunday, Sept. 13, when the township's 175th anniversary parade will bring eight, 5-foot-tall replica black bears through the municipality as part of a public art project.

To commemorate the township's milestone anniversary celebrations, each of the eight West Milford Township public schools was given its own rubberized three-dimensional, standing bear replica to decorate.

The district schools were challenged by the West Milford 175th Anniversary Committee to design their own bear to represent the school, or a period in the history of the municipality. Tapping into the creativity of local students, parents and teachers, this project was designed to create some excitement for the parade, especially among the township's young people.

These bears, currently kept under wraps, will be unveiled during the parade for the first time as they are carted through town on parade floats. From there, the bears will be kept on stand by for a public viewing at the Autumn Lights Festival, before they are sent to their respective schools as permanent mascots.

The public art project, inspired by the frequent bear sightings in West Milford as well as the similar replicas used to create interest surrounding the upcoming Black Bear Film Festival in Milford, P.A., is designed to create student involvement in the parade and the subsequent Autumn Lights Festival.

To make the parade a success, the anniversary committee is still seeking interested schools, civic groups, lake communities, bands, clubs, and businesses to participate in the parade, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Prospective participants only have until Sept. 4 to register and space is limited.

The parade will be followed by an after-party with food, music and games for all residents and their families at Evergreen Farm, located at 1735 Union Valley Road.

For more information and parade registration forms, visit westmilford175.com or call Jane Amend at 973-432-4109.

-David M. Zimmer

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