JON S. CORZINE
Governor, Chair

VIRGINIA S. BAUER
Commerce CEO/Secretary

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Wolfe
609.292.2523

Happy Birthday, America!
Come Celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend in New Jersey

Trenton, NJ —For the past 230 years, Americans gather to celebrate the freedom and independence of our country in any number of ways -- from barbecues, picnics and family gatherings to parades, fairs and festivals. New Jerseyans are no exception.

Fourth of July celebrations are a blast in every region of the Garden State, especially when the night skies come alive with the brilliant colors of fireworks displays. No matter which part of the Garden State you find yourself in this Independence Day, parades, festivals, fireworks and days of family fun color New Jersey in radiant shades of red, white and blue.

For non-stop enjoyment, day and night, the famous “Jersey Shore” provides amusements, food and entertainment for everyone in your family. With an abundance of summer rentals, bed & breakfast inns and other accommodations to suite your every need, New Jersey has just what you’re looking for this Independence Day weekend.

So, don’t miss out on all the fun and excitement July 4th brings to the Garden State. The following is a partial listing of July 4th weekend events being held around the state. Don't forget to check your local newspaper listings for other exciting events and celebrations.

Atlantic City Region (Atlantic County):

June 30: Bring the entire family to the third annual Atlantic City Independence Day Fireworks Celebration in Historic Gardiner's Basin, located at New Hampshire Avenue and the bay in Atlantic City at approximately 9:15 pm. The Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Bally’s Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Atlantic City and Showboat and the Mardi Gras Casino and others sponsor the event. For more information, call 1-888-AC-VISIT (228-4748) or visit www.atlanticcitynj.com.

July 3 & 4: Kick off the Independence Celebration as the Atlantic City Surf takes on the Camden Riversharks with fireworks to follow at Sandcastle Stadium. For information, call 609-344-8873 or www.acsurf.com.

July 4: Everyone enjoys a parade, so come join the fun at Smithville's 4th of July Parade when more than 75 entries including marching bands, floats and local dignitaries celebrate the holiday in historic Smithville at Route 9 & East Moss Mill Road. For more information, call 609-748-6160 or visit www.SmithvilleNJ.com.

Southern Shore Region (Cumberland and Cape May counties):

July 1 & 2: Head to the southernmost tip of the state and join the Independence Day Celebrations in Cape May. A vintage baseball game is played in which players use Vintage baseball equipment (no gloves!) and adhere to the rules of 1873. Don’t forget your blanket or chair when you head to Historic Cold Spring Village for this unique event. For more information, call 609-898-2300 or visit www.hcsv.org

July 2: Show off your red, white and blue pride at the Independence Day Parade and Celebration in Cape May at Convention Hall. For more information, call
609-884-9565 or visit www.capemaycity.org.

July 4: It’s Senior Citizens Day at Cumberland County Fair this Fourth of July. Fun for kids of all ages, there are free Clydesdale hayrides, family challenge events, barrel racing, live music and petting zoo to participate in on the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. For more information contact 856-825-3820 or visit www.cumberlandcofair.com.

July 4: Cape May is your host for a fun and exciting day in the sun followed by an evening of food, music and fireworks at the “All-American Picnic.” Enjoy jazz and delicious food right off the grill at Congress Hall. For more information, call 888-944-1816 or visit www.congresshall.com.

July 4: Ocean City sails high above others this 4th of July with their one-of-a-kind kite flying competition beginning at 5:00 pm, followed by entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 pm at Carey Stadium. For more information, call 609-525-9300 or visit www.njoceancity.com.

July 4: Head to the Wildwoods’ for their wonderful holiday tradition, “Fourth of July Fireworks Display & Independence Day Parade” on the Wildwoods Boardwalk at Pine Avenue. Follow the parade as it proceeds North on Surf Avenue from 26th to 2nd Avenues in North Wildwood at noon. The fireworks extravaganza begins shortly after at 10 p.m. For more information call 609-523-1602 or for more information on the parade call 609-522-2955.

Shore Region (Monmouth and Ocean counties):

July 2: Barnegat Light celebrates the holiday with a parade from Borough Hall to the Barnegat Lions concert area. Liberty Band, fire trucks, ambulances, childrens' floats and decorated bicycles will be featured from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. For more information, call 609-494-3522.

July 2 - 4: Don’t miss out on the 4th of July fun at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Free with park admission, grab a seat by 7:30 pm to see Lonestar perform live! When the park closes at 10 pm, stirring music and theatrical lighting provide an uplifting background to the colorful, Patriotic firework extravaganza set to take place July 2 - 4th.

July 3: Red Bank’s “Kaboom! Fireworks on the Navesink” features the largest fireworks display in the State of New Jersey. This 'world class' Grucci fireworks display tops a truly explosive 'family-style' Independence Day Celebration with food, great music featuring regional headline entertainment and much more along Broad & Front Streets. (Rain date July 4) For more information, call 201-653-2699 or visit www.thisisitproductions.com.

July 4: The Freehold Independence Day Celebration explodes with fun, food, music, live entertainment and fireworks at Freehold Raceway. For more information, call 732-462-3584 or visit www.freeholdcenter.com.

July 4: Don’t miss the oceanfront view of Seaside Heights Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza on the beach at 9:00 pm. For more information, call 800-SEASHOR or visit www.seasideheights.net.

July 4: The Jersey Shore's biggest Independence Day celebration can be found at Long Branch’s Oceanfest. Spend the holiday enjoying food, music, live entertainment, large sandsculpture displays, games, craft vendors and activities for children, and a spectacular oceanfront fireworks finale for all at the Oceanfront Promenade. For more information, call 732-222-0400 or visit www.longbranch.org.

July 4: Asbury Park is back on the map with its annual 4th of July parade. This event brings together the entire community and welcomes visitors to share in the celebration of our independence. The Parade ends in beautiful Bradley Park with music, food and fun for the entire family. For more information, call 732-502-5759.

July 4: Bring the family to Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach for a fascinating 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. For more information, call 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com.

Delaware River Region (Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Mercer counties):

July 1: Have a blasting good time at the Annual Battleship Blast Fundraiser presented by Comcast-Spectacor. Don't miss a night of food, fun and fireworks benefitting the ongoing restoration and educational programs onboad the ship. Enjoy drinks on the forecastle, dinner under the fantail tent and an amazing view of the city at sunset. The evening is capped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River. For ticket information, call 856-966-1652 x 225 or visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

July 3: Haddonfield is hosting the spectacular July Fireworks & Entertainment Extravaganza, featuring a lively musical program and spectacular fireworks to be held at Haddonfield Memorial High School at 7:30 pm. For more information, call
856-216-7253 or visit www.haddonfieldnj.org.

July 3: Hamilton's July 3rd Concert & Fireworks will have entertainment and a beautiful fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day at Veterans Park. Call 609-890-4028 for more information or visit www.hamiltonnj.com.

July 3 & 4: Freedom Park is the place to be if you’re in Medford to celebrate Independence Day with fun, music, food and fireworks for the entire family. For more information, call 609-654-2512 or visit www.medfordtownship.com.

July 4: Make it to Frances Avenue Field at 6:30 pm in Woodbury for a 4th of July Fireworks Celebration. (Rain Date July 8) For more information, call 856-845-8655.

July 4: Haddonfield’s Independence Day Parade features floats, bands, antique cars and prizes on Kings Highway at Haddon Avenue. For more information, call 856-216-7253 or visit www.haddonfieldnj.org.

July 4: Woodstown-Pilesgrove area is hosting the Fourth of July Parade this holiday as line up starts at 9:00 am and the parade beginning at 10:00 am.

Skylands Region (Sussex, Somerset, Morris, Warren and Hunterdon counties):

July 4: Bridgewater’s annual Fourth of July Family Festival at North Branch Park begins at 5:00 pm with live music, children’s activities, climbing wall, costumed characters, historical re-enactments, and fireworks at 9:30 pm, sponsored by Starbucks. For more information, call 908-722-1200 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July the way our ancestors did, with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Ford Mansion in Morristown National Historic Park. For more information, call 973-539-2016 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

July 4: Washington Celebrates America in Washington Borough this holiday. Line up along Broad Street for the annual parade beginning at 3:00 pm then enjoy a carnival, orange derby and much more. Head to Warren County Community College by dusk for the fireworks. For more information, call 908-689-3600 or www.washingtonbid.org.

July 4: Take part in an old-fashioned town celebration for the “Spirit of Americana” in North Warren. This 4th of July Festival at Footbridge Park features a fun day full of crafts, food, games and entertainment. For more information, call 570-476-0400.

Gateway Region (Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties):

July 4: Join in the fun at the Fourth Annual Little Falls Street Fair sponsored by the Little Falls PBA 346 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Held along Main Street and Stevens Avenue, over 100 exhibitors are selling new items, crafts, collectibles and novelties. Kiddie and pony rides, petting zoo and great food, music and much more are sure to be a bang this holiday. For more information, call 201-998-8331 or www.jcmarketplaces.com.

July 4: March in tune at Plainfield’s Fourth of July “Declaration of Unity” Parade. This crowd-pleasing parade, stepping off at Johnston Avenue and proceeding to a reviewing stand at Park Avenue and Front Street will feature bands, floats, balloons, community groups and a special tribute to the Negro League baseball players. Head to Cedarbrook Park at 9:30 pm for a fireworks display. For more information, call 908-753-3097.

July 4: For the Fourth of July celebration, Piscataway is feautring a brilliant selection of music featuring the Rays of Light & Glory - a concert of 18th Century music at East Jersey Olde Town Village. For more information, call 732-745-3030.

For information on other activities and attractions, contact the New Jersey Office of Travel & Tourism at 1-800-VISITNJ or via the state’s tourism Web site at www.visitnj.org.