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Ridgewood Residents Mark Their Spots Days Ahead Of 4th Of July Parade

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Marching for more than a century, the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade is so popular that residents mark their viewing spots days or weeks in advance.

"It's very odd because they just leave their chairs out there so no one really knows whose chairs they are," one man said.

The chairs come in all shapes and sizes and sit empty along the parade route on Ridgewood Avenue, awaiting the event.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports

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Some are chained, tied or fastened together, but most sit loose, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports.

"People have over the years, picked out their favorite place so they want it again, and again, and again," one resident said.

It's a tradition the town takes quite seriously.

"If one of the Ridgewood residents saw someone stealing the chairs they'd go beat them up," another resident said.

But many residents told Sandberg they've never witnessed anyone walk off with a chair or even dare sit in one.

"Maybe it's something to be said for the good of the people that they don't steal chairs," one man said.

The parade has been held since 1910. The day concludes with a fireworks show and dance in Van Neste Park.

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