Come Fourth & celebrate

Don’t be alarmed if you see chairs chained together along the streets of Ridgewood: That’s normal protocol for spectators at the town’s annual Fourth of July parade (201-602-1922; www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org), now in its 98th year. “There can be 30,000 people at the event,” says Margie Downs, committee president. “People put out chairs to save their favorite spots. But it’s a 2-mile route, so there’s room for everybody.”

The two-hour parade, featuring more than 100 groups and 12 floats, begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Godwin Avenue and Monroe Street. Ridgewood dad Tom DeVita spearheads the Travell School float, which won “best overall float” in 2007. “We made a train called ‘Travell Hero Express,’” he explains. “The kids dressed up as different heroes and we had real smoke coming from the locomotive.” And it wouldn’t be the Fourth without some sparkle in the sky—fireworks fly after dusk at Veterans Field.

A BOW-WOW WOW

For the ultimate pooch pampering, visit A Doghouse Bakery and Grooming Salon (201-933-7007; www.adoghousebakery.com) in East Rutherford. At this doggie day spa, owners Mary Dynia and Madeline Umano do much more than bathe and clip.

“We use all-natural, vitamin-rich shampoos and conditioners for our massaging baths,” says Dynia. “We also clean ears, brush teeth, blow-dry fur, and can polish nails or dye dogs’ hair with pet-safe pigments.” These color treatments are especially popular around Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, when owners opt for festive orange and green tints.

And what if Fido’s hungry for more than just good looks? Dynia and Umano also offer homemade cookies in a variety of wholesome flavors (peanut butter, apple oatmeal, chicken herb), bone-shaped biscuits that help clean gums and cakes ($11 to $26) for special occasions like puppy-school graduation.

PREMIER playthings

Sure, you could aimlessly roam the aisles of Toys ‘R’ Us, hoping that perfect “it” gift for the lovable tot in your life will jump out at you—or you could save yourself the hassle and head to Animations in Teaneck (201-692-0060; www.shopanimations.com).

Owner Leanna Hal-brecht insists her staff will “hold your hand” from start to finish. “We know just about everything about every item in our store, so we’ll help you find something special that’s in your price range and age-appropriate,” she says.

Located on vibrant Cedar Lane, Animations offers everything from puzzles, costumes, educational games and handmade leather bookends to pillows, blankets, bathrobes, towels and wall hangings that can be personalized with the child’s name. Can’t decide on just one item? Halbrecht and crew can assemble a gift basket ($35 to $200) lickety-split—even wrap it in a toy wagon, castle or car at your request!

MUSIC on the waterfront

Move over, Coachella. New Jersey’s own three-day music fest, All Points West—set for August 8 to 10 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City—is generating a buzz all its own.

Radiohead headlines the inaugural event, which features more than 40 prominent and on-the-cusp indie, rock and world-music acts (tickets: $89 each day, $258 for three days; www.apw festival.com).

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit The Friends of Liberty State Park. Even if you’re not up for three days of songs and sunshine, you can get a taste of the fun by sampling these tunes by acts on the roster.

? 1. “House of Cards,” Radiohead, from In Rainows
2. “Myriad Harbour,” The New Pornographers, from Challengers
3. “Where Is My Love,” Cat Power, from The Greatest
4. “Better Together,” Jack Johnson, from In Between Dreams
5. “Diablo Rojo,” Rodrigo y Gabriela, from Rodrigo y Gabriela
6. “On Call,” Kings of Leon, from Because of the Times
7. “M’bifé,” Amadou & Mariam, from Dimanche a Bamako
8. “Monster Hospital,” Metric, from Live It Out
9. “Chores,” Animal Collective, from Strawberry Jam
10. “get better,” Mates of State, from Re-arrange Us
11. “Little Black Sandals,” Sia, from Some People Have Real Problems