Cape Communities Plan to Celebrate Nation’s 235th with Fireworks, Parades, Picnics, Music & More

COURT HOUSE — Fireworks displays, parades, picnics and special musical presentations are among the events planned for the Fourth of July Weekend throughout Cape May County as the nation marks our 235th year of independence.
AVALON — The Borough of Avalon will be a favorite destination for vacationers during the July 4th weekend. The Borough will present its very popular “Family Fun Festival” from June 30th through July 4th. The festival will be filled with four consecutive days of free concerts, one of the largest fireworks displays in New Jersey, and numerous family activities.
The festival begins on Thursday, June 30th with the Avalon String Band Mummers Parade and Concert at 6:00pm. The mummers will be performing along Avalon’s Dune Drive, with the parade starting at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the beach.
Free music continues Friday through Sunday, July 1st -3rd. Friday night, the popular Jersey Shore band “MPH” performs live at the Avalon Veterans Plaza, 21st Street and Dune Drive, at 7:00pm. “The Mighty Parrot” band comes to Avalon on Saturday, July 2nd at Noon for a free beach concert at the 30th Street beach followed by a free concert at Veterans Plaza by Cumberland County College at 7:00pm.
On Sunday, July 3rd, the “Tropical Beat Steel Band” performs a free beach concert that will ramp up to the biggest event at the Jersey Shore this summer. At 7:00pm, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony will present a patriotic concert inside the Avalon Community Hall at 7:00pm. The “New Birth of Freedom” concert will feature many patriotic selections. Major General John Stoner from the United States Army will be a guest conductor and Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi will be the guest narrator for Lincoln’s Portrait. Following the free concert, the Borough of Avalon presents a huge fireworks display at 9:15pm that will be set to patriotic music.
The Avalon Family Fun Festival continues on Monday, July 4th with a boat parade along the back bays of Avalon starting at 12 Noon. Registration for the boat parade is free and required in advance with forms available at Avalon Community Hall. The Avalon Department of Recreation will also hold fun field races for families at 10:00am at the 10th Street recreation field. Avalon will also host a popular triathlon event on Saturday, July 2nd that begins at 7:00am.
And, for those who are in town for the week following the holiday the Borough of Avalon proudly presents the Air Force National Guard Band. The band presents a free concert on Wednesday, July 6th, at 7:00pm at the Avalon Veterans Plaza.
For more information, contact the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066 or visit online at www.avalonboro.org.
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CAPE MAY — Holiday events in Cape May begin with the Kiwanis Pancake Day at Congress Hall, Saturday, July 2, 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 each; children under 4 are $2 each.
The Independence Day Parade rolls out at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the vicinity of Convention Hall.
The Grand Hotel will host the Red, White & Blue Picnic 4-7 p.m. Saturday. The picnic will feature great food and live entertainment, contests and other activities. Adults $12.95, Kids 10 and under $7.95. Call 609-884-5611 for more info.
The traditional All American Picnic will be held at Congress Hall. Spread out your blanket on the lawn and enjoy the food and festivities. Plenty of traditional fare food and live music – Dixieland jazz by the Atlantic City Jazz Band or sing patriotic songs along with the Congress Hall Festival Choir. A fireworks display will commence at 9 p.m. Adults $20, Kids 3-12 $10, Kids under 3 are free. Call 609-884-8421 for tickets and information.
The Coast Guard Training Center will host a sunset parade July 3 at 8:04 p.m. on the parade grounds open to the general public. There is no admission charge.
If inclement weather is predicted, the command will cancel the parade for that day.
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LOWER TOWNSHIP — Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare, several months ago, embarked on a pledge drive to enlist support of local businesses and individuals to ensure a festive celebration of the birth of America. Through the efforts of Lare and the local business community, Lower Township residents and visitors are in for an exciting “Independence Day Celebration” on Sun., July 3 starting at 5 p.m.
The township will be providing amusement rides, a variety of food and product vendors, Solo Yosi Music, Trilby String Band, Firehouse Three Strolling String Band, Cape May County String Band, Win Place & Show Band playing 40’s to present music, a live radio remote, children sing along, and much more. Interested vendors can call 609-886-7880 ext. 8.
Activities will be between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue along the waterfront. Bring beach chairs or blankets and enjoy.
The fireworks show will start around 9:15; it will be one that should not be missed. “In this day and age, many communities across this great country are not having fireworks due to the economic climate,” stated Lare. “Here in Lower Township we are so blessed to have caring businesses and individuals that have contributed over $26,350 directly to the township. Thanks to these contributions, we can continue this township tradition that our young and old have always enjoyed.” Lare secured contributions to the township from the following: Will Morey of Morey’s Pier, Charles Pessagno of the NIA group, Leon Costello of Ford Scott & Associates, Bernie Dera of Best Buy Modular Homes, Michael Donohue of Gruccio, Pepper, DeSanto & Ruth, Geoffrey S. Harrison of Sturdy Bank, Kenn Harris of LeGates Farm, Dave Stefankiewitz of Good Night Irene’s Brew Pub, Steve Lewis of Eddies Auto Body, Jeff Reichle of Lund’s Fisheries, Jeff Stewart of Cape May Whale Watchers & Spirit of Cape May, Beth Boyle of Uncle Bill’s Pancakes, Victorian Huen, Steve Morey of Hatch Mott McDonald, Dan Cohen of Atlantic Cape Fisheries, Robert J. Smeltzer of Smeltzer & Sons Feed and Pet Supplies, Jay Sporl of Seashore Campsites, Charles Lewis of Conifer Reality, Jen Pron of Dave’s Trash Removal, Keith Laudemann of the Lobster House, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Litton of Murphy Fence, Jack and Pati Sparks, Sean McMullen of Flight Deck Diner, Shelton Marsden of Marsden Electric, and John and Dee McNulty of Bayshore Landscaping. Lare continued, “This is the true American Spirit bringing people together. The Township of Lower is grateful for this support and encourages everyone to come out on July 3 for this great celebration of freedom.”
The festival is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to celebrate the nation’s independence with plenty of food, live music, vendors, rides, and an impressive fireworks show.
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MIDDLE TOWNSHIP — Middle Township’s Fourth of July Celebration, Mon. July 4 Firework Celebration at the Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Road, Court House.
Free entertainment 5 p.m-9 p.m. Free firework show display starts right at dusk. Donations are always welcome.
Also 5-9 p.m. – food , pony rides, rock climbing wall etc. at additional cost.
Raindate will be July 5 with fireworks only.
For information contact Middle Township Recreation Department @ 465-8743 ext. 9
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OCEAN CITY — A giant fireworks display, two colorful bike parades, a Broadway staged performance of Music Man and a Kite Flying Contest will highlight the City’s July 4th weekend events.
The weekend kicks off on Sun., July 3 with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra and the Ocean City Theatre Company presenting the Music Man. The show is set for the Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave., on Sun., July 3 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be performances on July 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. plus a matinee on Wed., July 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the Music Pier Box Office, 609-525-9248 or from www.ocnj.us.
Two Bike Parades are set for July 4th. The South Ocean City Parade begins at 40th and Asbury Ave. at 10 a.m. with registration starting at 9 a.m. The Garden Civic Assn. Bike Parade forms 10 a.m. at the Long Port Bridge. Registration is 9 a.m.
A Kite Flying Contest sponsored by Air Circus on the Boardwalk will begin at approximately 5 p.m. at the 9th St. Beach as bathers leave the area. At 9:30 p.m. a huge fireworks display will be fired from a barge off the Music Pier. Music will piped over the Boardwalk and through the downtown to accompany the display and can also be heard on WIBG FM -94.3 Radio.
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PETERSBURG — The fireworks display begin at dusk at Amanda’s Field Recreation Complex, Rt 50 and Sunset Ave. The rain date is Tuesday, July 5.
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SEA ISLE CITY — Sea Isle City’s Department of Community Services is sponsoring two events on July 4: The Sea Isle City Junior Olympics competition in the morning and a brilliant fireworks display at night.
However, in addition to these two popular events, there will also be other activities in Sea Isle City during this year’s long Independence Day weekend that will offer entertainment for the entire family as well.
On Fri., July 1, and Sun., July 3, families can enjoy free strolling entertainment during Family Fun Nights at Gillian’s Funland Amusement Park, 42nd Place and the Bay, 7-9 p.m. For information about this event, which is sponsored by the City of Sea Isle City, phone (609) 263-8687.
Also on July 1, another edition of Sea Isle City’s Got Talent will take place at 8 p.m. at Sea Isle’s new Band Shell, located at Excursion Park, JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue. This new contest, which is based on the TV show America’s Got Talent, awards cash prizes to winners each Friday night with grand prizes being awarded to the event’s top performers in August. For additional information about Sea Isle City’s Got Talent, visit www.seaislecitysgottalent. or phone 609-263-9090.
On Sat., July 2, Sea Isle City’s VFW Post 1963 will host a flea market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 301 JFK Boulevard (AKA Veterans Boulevard). The rain date for the flea market is July 3. For more information, phone (609) 263-8361.
Also on Sat., July 2, Hollywood Nights (a Bob Seger tribute band) will perform a free concert at Sea Isle’s Band Shell at 8:00 p.m. For additional info about this performance, phone (609) 263-8687.
Hosted by members of the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, Sea Isle’s Independence Day Junior Olympics program has been entertaining families for generations – some of the parents watching from the sidelines today were Junior Olympians years ago. This friendly competition, which requires no fee and is open to boys and girls, age 3-13, includes throwing, jumping and running races by age and gender. Registration for the Junior Olympics begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 4th at Dealy Field, 59th and Central Avenue.
Sea Isle City’s Independence Day Pyrotechnics Display will delight and captivate young and old viewers alike. The fireworks will begin on July 4 at 9 p.m. at JFK Boulevard and the Beach. The rain/wind date for the fireworks is July 5.
For information about the Junior Olympics or Sea Isle’s fireworks display, email sicrec@seaislecitynj.us or phone 263-0050.
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STONE HARBOR — This July 4, Stone Harbor invites residents and visitors to declare independence from boredom and join a full day of fun activities at the 81st Street Recreation Field and beach.
The day’s events kick off with opening ceremonies at 9:50 a.m. in the soccer field.
Sand Sculpture Contest – Bring shovels and join in the Sand Sculpture contest on the beach at 83rd Street. Registration takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contestants can begin working on their creations and judging takes place at 11:30 a.m. Prizes and trophies go to the top three sculptures in each of the following age groups: 2–8 years, 9–15 years, 16 years and up, and family or group entries.
Hoys 5&10 Candy Scramble – Even the strongest sweet tooth will be satisfied during this fun-filled race to collect wrapped candy strewn all about the soccer field. The event, limited to children ages 6 and under, begins at 10 a.m. and requires no registration.
Foot Races – Immediately following the Candy Scramble the footraces will commence. Racers will be divided into males and females in an all-out race for the finish line. No registration is necessary to participate, and prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
Phillies Home Run Derby – Calling all heavy-hitters: head to the baseball field and register for the Phillies Home Run Derby between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., it’s time to step up to the plate and show us what you’ve got. Prizes will be awarded to the boy and girl with the most home runs in the following age groups: 7–9 years, 10–12 years and 13–15 years.
Slow Bike Races
Back at the soccer field, Stone Harbor’s Slow Bike Races are a challenge of a different sort. Starting immediately after the foot races, the object of the Slow Bike Race is to ride the provided bike through the fixed course in the slowest amount of time – without any part of your body touching the ground. Sound easy? It’s harder than you think. Prizes and trophies will go to the slowest three finishers in this topsy-turvy event.
Decorated Bike Contest – Dress up your bike, scooter or baby stroller for a chance to score a trophy for best decorated, most colorful or most original design. Registration, limited to those 18 years and under takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the 80th Street and Second Avenue parking lot. The decorated bike parade begins at 11:45 a.m.
Decorated Lifeguard Stand — Even the lifeguards are getting into the patriotic spirit. Many of the lifeguard stands will be decorated and the guards will be competing for the best decorated stand. At noon, the guards will lead beachgoers in a patriotic sing-a-long.
Fireworks and Concert – When the sun goes down the excitement turns up. Bring beach chairs and blankets to soccer field and enjoy a live concert by BLT at 7 PM followed by an All-American fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. sponsored by the Stone Harbor Fire Department. There’s no better way—or place—to celebrate your Independence Day.
In the event of rain, all competitions will take place the following day, on Tues., July 5. The fireworks rain date is also July 5.
For information, contact the Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 609-368-6101 or visit www.stone-harbor.nj.us
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STRATHMERE — This community’s Fourth of July Parade will be held on Monday morning.
Registration will be at the Firehouse at 9:30 a.m. Judging will be at 10 a.m. and the parade will step off on Commonwealth Avenue at Williard Road at 10:30 a.m.
The parade will go down Commonwealth to Prescott Road, west to Bayview Drive and up Bayview to the Deauville Inn, where refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded.
Motorists should be aware of traffic reroutes and delays in Strathmere that morning.
The parade is sponsored by the Strathmere Improvement Association and Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company.
For information call 263-6846.
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WILDWOODS — The Wildwoods, NJ, have put together a Fourth of July Weekend celebration filled with FREE events, FREE live entertainment and a FREE fireworks/laser light show spectacular unlike any other at the Jersey Shore.
The holiday begins with the Fourth of July Weekend Freedom Festival Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The event takes place at Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest, featuring quality crafters of all kinds, great food, FREE live entertainment and children’s activities. As part of the festival, FREE concerts will be held at Centennial Park, located at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest from 7:30-9:30 p.m. nightly – featuring the B Street Band (Bruce Springsteen tribute band) on Saturday, July 2; 2U (U2 Tribute Band) on Sunday, July 3; and Bandstand (dance/party music) on Monday, July 4. For additional information, call 609-523-0202 or visit www.visitwildwoodcrest.com.
Another FREE concert will be held at the Lou Boothe Amphitheatre in North Wildwood, located at 2nd and Ocean Avenues, on Saturday, July 2 at 8 p.m. Part of the FREE “Concert Under the Stars” Series, the performance will feature Motown legends – the Platters. For additional information, call 609-522-2955 or visit www.northwildwood.com.
On Monday morning, July 4, don’t miss the Wildwoods Independence Day Parade and the 7th Annual Patriotic Pooch Parade. The Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic Avenues and proceeds north to 2nd Avenue. The Patriotic Pooch Parade will join the march through the Wildwoods at 8th and Atlantic Avenues. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will parade along the streets of the Wildwoods dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes will be awarded for the best bikes decorated with a red, white and blue theme, along with prizes for the best dressed pooches. Check-in for parade participants will be from 8-8:45 a.m. at 15th and Atlantic Avenues. To register, call 609-522-2955.
Also on Monday morning, July 4, is the Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Walk from 9-11 a.m. The 5K Fun Run will begin at the Wildwoods Sign and travel north to the Wildwoods Convention Center then down the boardwalk extension to the beach. The route will run south and continue on the hard packed sand to Primrose Avenue in Wildwood Crest, looping back to the Wildwoods Convention Center for the completion of the race. The 1-Mile Walk will head down the Wildwoods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue and back to the Wildwoods Convention Center. Awards will be presented at the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to “Top Finishers” and “Most Patriotic Dressed” in the following categories: Family, Adult, Child and Baby. All funds raised from the Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Walk will be used to help maintain the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Registration will take place from 7-8:45 a.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Center. The registration fee is $25 for adults and $10 for students 18 and younger. Commemorative t-shirts will be given to all participants who pre-register at www.WildwoodsWall.com/5k before July 1. For additional information, call John Lynch at 609-849-8887.
Later on in the evening on Independence Day, families can enjoy a FREE Summer Concert at Fox Park starting at 6 p.m. featuring “Changes in Latitude,” a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Bring your beach chair or blanket and groove to the smooth sounds of Jimmy Buffett classics such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Volcano” and many more. “Changes in Latitude” is sure to have the crowd on its feet dancing and singing along. For additional information, call 609-729-9000.
At 10 p.m. on Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 4, people all over the Wildwoods will enjoy a spectacular FREE fireworks/laser light show extravaganza. Originating from the beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood, this incredible Fourth of July pyrotechnics and laser display will be sure to awe and amaze. For additional information, call 609-523-1602 or visit www.dowildwood.com.
As if those events weren’t enough to make this Fourth of July Weekend in the Wildwoods fun for the whole family, the Wildwoods Convention Center will host the Sports Card, Toys, Comic Books and Collectibles Show from Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4. The show will feature collectibles, memorabilia and guest star appearances. Expo hours are 3-9 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Monday. Admission is FREE. For additional information, call 732-422-9365 or visit www.rksportspromotions.com.
Additionally, the Wildwoods Boardwalk will host a Boardwalk Craft Show featuring all hand-made items. The craft show will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 on the Wildwoods Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue. For additional information, call 609-522-0378.
The Wildwoods are the place to be this Fourth of July Weekend for FREE fun, FREE entertainment and FREE events for the whole family!
For additional information on these and other events happening in the Wildwoods this summer, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
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WILDWOOD CREST — Tribute bands covering the music of two of this generation’s most popular rock-and-roll artists will be among the highlights of the spectacular Fourth of July Weekend Freedom Festival scheduled for Saturday through Monday, July 2-4.
The three-day festival includes a free daytime arts and crafts show at the Gazebo-by-the-Sea area at Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue and three separate free all-ages concerts each evening just a couple of blocks north at Centennial Park at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue.
The daytime portion of the Fourth of July Freedom Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, July 2-4.
Scores of arts and crafts vendors, featuring products ranging from jewelry to pottery to photography to linens to floral products, will line the Gazebo-by-the-Sea area at Rambler Road and Ocean Avenue.
Plenty of food and refreshments will also be available. Live music, family entertainment and children’s activities will also be included.
The concert slate kicks off Sat., July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park with The B Street Band, the No. 1 tribute to the Boss, featuring the music of Bruce Springsteen. Originally known as Backstreets, The B Street Band was formed in Asbury Park in May of 1980 and is one of the longest-running tribute bands in the world.
The Freedom Festival’s Sun., July 3 concert at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park features a performance by 2U, billed as the world’s second-best U2 show. The band played to rave reviews at festivals, nightclubs, college campuses and corporate events up and down the East Coast for more than 10 years.
The Fourth of July Freedom Festival will culminate Mon., July 4 with a fun-filled concert by Bandstand, one of the region’s most popular dance/party bands, at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park.
Following Monday’s performance by Bandstand, those in attendance are invited to remain at Centennial Park to see the spectacular Wildwoods Fourth of July fireworks show at 10 p.m., which is visible from the easternmost portions of the park.
All three concerts are all-ages shows for the entire family. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair.
Admission to the entire Fourth of July Freedom Festival is free. Parking is also free and will be available at Myrtle Road and Ocean Avenue for both the daytime craft show and the evening concerts.
For information, log on to www. visitwildwoodcrest.com or call (609) 523-0202.
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