Washington Celebrates Ameraca has announced that Rob Plenge has been selected as the 2026 Grand Marshal for the Fourth of July Celebration. This year’s selection process included many deserving nominees, making the committee’s decision especially challenging.

A longtime Washington resident and local business owner, Rob joined the family business, Oakwood Lanes and Sports Scene Restaurant, in 1990. While attending the University of Kentucky, he met his wife, Melanie, and together they raised three children: Riley, Danielle, and Shane.

Rob’s father, Bob Plenge, grew up on his family’s vegetable farm in Belleville  before founding Oakwood Lanes in 1959. The values and work ethic Bob instilled through years of operating a family business laid the foundation for Rob’s own success. Rob credits his father for being an exceptional role model and his wife, Melanie, for her unwavering support and commitment to their family’s continued positive impact on the community.

In the early 1990s, Rob was a part of major fundraising events to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, receiving tremendous support from the community. Since then, he has participated in and supported countless charitable efforts, including fundraising initiatives with the Knights of Columbus that generated more than $225,000 over a decade. Most recently, he became involved in a bowling fundraiser supporting the 9/11 Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Throughout his life, Rob has drawn inspiration from teachers, coaches, family, and community leaders. He is especially grateful for the dedication and leadership of Dick Rhinehart, Mel Kries, Dominic Pulsinelli, and Joe Heverin, founders of the first Warren Hills weightlifting program. He also admired Rich Cotton, Bob Lockhart, and Dan Slack of the Warren Hills championship football team.

Rob has been a dedicated supporter of youth athletics. He has sponsored team jerseys, and youth clinics for a variety of sports. His dad formed the first Warren Hills summer basketball team in the 80’s and Rob continued the tradition with his kids. Continuing a family tradition of community involvement, Rob’s grandfather once served on the athletic committee in Belleville.

Together with Bruce Schott, Rob’s father helped establish the Rotary tradition surrounding the Warren Hills vs. Hackettstown football rivalry banquet, where the winning team retains the “Beater Board” trophy each season — a tradition that proudly continues today. Rob remains actively involved with the committee.

Rob also launched a second-grade basketball clinic and worked with the league to lower basketball hoops to eight feet for third- and fourth-grade players. When Warren Hills temporarily discontinued middle school sports, Rob organized families, fundraising efforts, and scheduling coordination with athletic directors, resulting in a highly successful season. Later, when Athletic Director Nic Holgash introduced the school’s first bowling program, Rob was named coach.

In addition to his many contributions to local athletics, Rob has played a significant role in developing high school bowling leagues and scholarship opportunities. Through decades of leadership, service, and generosity, he has made a lasting impact on the Washington community and its residents.

Rob is deeply honored to be named the 2026 Grand Marshal and wishes everyone a joyful and memorable 250th Anniversary Celebration.

A Grand Marshal dinner in honor of Rob will be held on Thurs., June 25 at 6 pm at Brother’s Restaurant, 301 Washington Ave., Washington. Cost for the dinner is $40 pp. Checks can be mailed to Washington Celebrates America, PO Box 3, Washington, NJ 07882.

To learn more about Washington Celebrates America and to become involved, please email washingtoncelebratesamerica@gmail.com or visit the Washington Celebrates America facebook page.