COURT HOUSE – On July 4, the nation will mark its 230th year of freedom from Great Britain. Plans are underway in many Cape May County towns to mark the occasion with fireworks and festivities.
The following are some of events taking place:
Middle Township: On July 4, all events take place at the Davies Sports Complex, Goshen Road, starting in mid-afternoon. Rain date is July 5, fireworks only.
July 4, starting at 3 p.m. games for all ages. Country barbecue ready after 4 p.m. Family tug of war at 4 p.m., greased pole and fence painting, donut eating and more, from 5-8 p.m.
Music from 5:30-9 p.m. by Jim and Dan Band and Blame It On The Dogs.
At 7:30 p.m., 120-foot-long ice cream sundae for the kiddies. Raffle drawing at 8:45.
Fireworks end the day at dusk, about 9:15 p.m.
Lower Township: On July 3, Recreation Department and Delaware River and Bay Authority will host the gala from about 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Find a spot on the beach to watch fireworks sponsored by the DRBA, starting about 9:30 p.m. weather permitting. Some parking is available at the terminal.
Other festivities include a “boardwalk atmosphere” with live entertainment, amusements and vendors from Townbank Road, Cape May Beach to Lincoln Boulevard.
Due to amount of foot traffic on Beach Drive, police will close off that roadway from Townbank Road to Sandman Boulevard from 4 p.m. until the end of the fireworks, or about 10 p.m.
Police command center will be located at Townbank and Beach Drive.
Stone Harbor: July 1, the volunteer fire company, which hosts the July 4 fireworks, will sell hoagies at the fire house, 96th and Second Avenue from 9 a.m. until sold out.
On July 4, morning events start at 9 a.m. with registration until 10 a.m.
From 10-11:30 a.m., sand sculpting contest.
10 a.m. candy scramble following by foot races at 10:15, and slow bike race at 10:30.
Also at 10:30, the Phillies Home Run Derby.
Decorated bike contest at 11:45 a.m.
Prizes and trophies will be awarded for various age groups.
In the evening, starting at 6 p.m. continuing until dusk at the 81st Street Recreation Field, a band concert with food vendors.
At dusk, “a fabulous fireworks display.”
Avalon: Four days of activities are planned as the borough puts on its new offshore fireworks display on July 2 from 9:15 to 9:45 p.m.
July 1: Snake Brothers Concert at the 30th Street Beach Deck from noon to 3 p.m., a decorated family parade led by Avalon String Band beginning at 30th Street at 6 p.m., and a Cole Brothers Concert at Veterans Plaza from 7 to 9 p.m.
Other July 2 events include triathlons for adults and children (packets can be picked up at Fire House July 1 from 2-5 p.m.); a two-piece steel band appearing from 8-11 a.m. at the 30th Street Beach Deck followed by an Earth Daddy beach concert there from noon to 3 p.m.; and, a pre-fireworks Family Luau Beach Party from 6-9 p.m. with a pig roast and a four-piece steel band (tickets are $20 per adult, food for kids sold separately).
July 3, the movie “Zathura” will be shown on the beach at 30th Street at 9 p.m.
July 4 brings the Warren Buckingham Memorial Swimming Races at the Windrift Motel at 10 a.m.; McHugh & Company Beach Concert at 30 Street Beach Deck from noon to 3 p.m.; field race competitions at the Eighth Street playground at 2 p.m.; and, the borough’s 31st annual boat parade along the back bays.
Cape May: July 1, Kiwanis Pancake Day at Convention Hall, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Parade (rain date July 2) begins at 1 p.m. with noon lineup. Line of march from Philadelphia Avenue to Patterson Avenue on Beach Avenue. Capt. Curtis Odom, U.S.C.G. Training Center commanding officer, will be grand marshal. Joining him will be the center’s band and color guard.
July 4 fireworks at 9 p.m. offshore from Congress beach, visible along the oceanfront.
Historic Cold Spring Village: July 2, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Independence Day celebration with Hackettstown Junior Ancient Fife and Drums Corps wearing Revolutionary War inspired uniforms.
Wildwood: July 4, fireworks at Boardwalk and Pine Avenue, 10 p.m.
North Wildwood: July 4 at noon, Independence Day and Pooch Parade at Atlantic and 15th avenues, heading north on Atlantic to First, then east on First to Surf for judging. Bike decorating contest will feature prizes.
West Wildwood: July 1, American Family Festival from 4-9 p.m. at Neptune and Glenwood featuring food, games crafters, beer garden and more.
Wildwood Crest: July 1-2, Gazebo-By-The-Sea craft show, Ocean Avenue and Rambler Road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sea Isle City: July 4, fireworks at dusk, J.F.K. Boulevard and beach.
Ocean City: July 4 kite flying competition at Carey Stadium, Sixth Street off Boardwalk.
The competition begins at 5 p.m., and will be followed by entertainment and fireworks at 9 p.m.
