The real start of the summer season is here this weekend with the star-spangled event of Fourth of July upon us.
The good news is you can get a full dose of holiday festivities and never leave the township.
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Saturday brings with it the annual Whale of a Day festival along Clubhouse Drive.
It starts at 8:30 and ends at 4 p.m. Spend a few hours strolling this tree lined area and you’ll hear music, taste great food and be tempted to buy all sorts of trinkets and wares.
There are also special doings for the kids.
Rain date is Sunday same time.
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Historic Cold Spring Village has an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration planned.
On noon Saturday you can watch the Elizabeth Athletic Club play the Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club according to rules and wearing equipment – no gloves – as if it were 1873.
Take your kids to a real ballgame; I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.
On Sunday the special feature will be a noon program by the Hackettstown Junior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
After the show, the corps will lead a parade around the village grounds to the gazebo, where patriotic speeches will be presented at 1 p.m.
Children’s crafts and activities will be offered on both days.
Admission to the village is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $5 for children three to 12. No charge for those under three.
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On Monday the township Recreation Department is hosting a festival along the bay shore from 5 until about 10 p.m. A boardwalk atmosphere will be created along Beach Drive from the Townbank area to Lincoln Boulevard with live entertainment, amusements and vendors planned.
You won’t be able to drive or bike along the bay from 4 p.m. on. The last blocks of Franklin Avenue, Whittier Avenue and Washington Boulevard from Atlantic Avenue to the Beach will all be posted “No Parking” areas from Sunday at noon until Tuesday to allow for set-up and breakdown of amusement rides.
Come out and listen to several live bands, watch clowns and puppets and taste food from vendors and let the kids ride the rides.
Then find a spot on the beach to watch the fireworks sponsored by the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
The fireworks will start about 9:30 p.m. weather permitting and some parking is available at the terminal.
I’ve sat on the lawn there to watch the fireworks in the past and it’s a great spot to spread out a blanket, put some chairs, or both.
Stake out a spot early and you can browse the festival and come back there to watch the fireworks. The ferry also has snacks and beverages on sale right on the green that night.
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Have a happy and safe Fourth whatever you do. Just remember there will be more people driving around here from now until Labor Day so stay alert and drive within the speed limit for the area you’re in.
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As I mentioned earlier this month, this is my last column. Amy McCully will be taking over this space next week.
I want to thank all of you for your cooperation in getting information to me during the past three years and hope that I have been able to keep you all informed about the events, goings on and special things in our township.
Have a great summer.
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