About Us

The Elmwood Park Athletic Hall of Fame began as a part of Elmwood Park’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in 1991.  The goal of the celebration was to formulate a comprehensive year-long framework of activities to represent the interests and traditions of the entire community.

Since sports have always been a vital part of East Paterson/Elmwood Park history, several athletic events were scheduled—the highlight being an All Sports Dinner, which was to be among the final events of the celebration year.

That first All-Sports Dinner, attended by over 300, was held on September 4, 1991 at the Cotillion in Garfield. That night nine truly exceptional sports figures from the Borough were singled out and honored as the first inductees to the Elmwood Park Athletic Hall of Fame.

With the selection of the first honorees, committee members hoped that the selection of superior local athletes would carry on after the 75th Anniversary Celebration. 

And it has!