Like the Iselin section of Woodbridge, Edison has an enormous Indian community in the township. This year, they're establishing a historic first: an enormous Independence Day extravaganza to which everyone is invited, Indian and non-Indian alike.

"It's the first time ever South Asians and Anglo Americans are jointly celebrating Independence Day," the patriotic website, july4celebration.com, touts amid a sea of red, white, and blue.

The South Asian Community Outreach (SACO) is sponsoring the event, to be held on Wednesday, July 4, from 4 pm through to the 9 pm fireworks, at Lake Papaianni Park in Edison. 

The lake is located across from the Edison Municipal Building at 100 Municipal Boulevard off Route 27 South. 

Fireworks start at 9 pm, but the day is full of fun. They promise rides, food, music, a cultural program, dancing, henna painting, booths with handicrafts for sale, all focused on a family-centered 4th.

Piyush Patel, the chairman of the 4th of July Committee, and a SACO member, was ebullient in his message. "This first annual unprecedented event is a fantastic beginning to highlight and show the American public the contributions we as a community have made," Patel said in his message.

"We need show how much the Indian community cares, loves, respects and cherishes the opportunities that we have enjoyed since immigrating to this blessed land."

SACO was founded in 2010 by Abrar Khan, who goes by the name of Sam. He's an Edison resident, the owner of three businesses, who emigrated to the United States in 1993. 

Khan is also one of two candidates (the other being Roger Daley) running as a Republican this November for a seat on the all-Democratic Middlesex County Board of Freeholders.

Khan chairs the SACO board, while Barbara Roos of the Edison Chamber of Commerce serves as vice president.

For more information, call 732-902-2106 or 732-207-3812. The raindate is July 7.