NEW JERSEY: Wet weather did not dampen the spirit of New Jersey Indian Americans who enthusiastically participated in the early Independence Day celebrations in Edison on Aug 10.The patriotic zeal of the thousands of parade marchers, onlookers and organizers along the 1.5 mile stretch of Oak Tree Road running through Edison, Woodbridge and Iselin, was spurred on by none other than state Governor Jon S. Corzine who walked the entire length of the parade.

The parade and the following cultural show lasted over three hours, attracting a more mainstream Americans from the neighborhood than in the past two years since the Indian Business Association began organizing the parade. However, incessant rain throughout the duration of the parade did force several community members from coming out to enjoy the celebrations.Playing to appease the crowds, popular Bollywood music, and not so much Indian patriotic songs, blared all along the parade route.

The Indian Business Association (IBA) and the New Jersey Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NJ), supported by more than 90 New Jersey-based community organizations from throughout the state, hosted the event.

The first major Independence Day parade to be scheduled in the Tri-State area, this grand event featured 25 colorful floats, marching bands, costumed characters, ethnic dancers, representation of the over 90 participating Indo-American cultural, social and religious organizations, as well as local businesses like Pathmark. Mauli Dave of the Zee TV talent show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame and Indian television actress Roshni of 'Kasam Se' fame marched as grand marshal and guest of honor respectively.

Many governmental leaders from across the state, including Congressman Frank Pallone, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Edison Mayor Jun Choi, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and Sayreville Mayor Kennedy O'Brien enthusiastically participated in the parade. Following the parade, a cultural show at St. Cecelia's Church included dances and music representative of the Indian as well as the popular Bollywood culture. Sponsoring businesses and organizations had booths at the site.

Earlier this week, Governor Corzine signed an official proclamation recognizing and congratulating New Jersey's Indian American community for their contributions to the state and for the official India Day Parade.