This Is My New Jersey

We are finally in the midst of summer and I am absolutely thrilled. I feel less like a hermit and look forward to actually going outside. Whether sitting on the deck with my morning coffee or in the evening with an adult beverage as the sun sets after 8:00 p.m., it is my favorite time of the year.

This weekend we get to say “pop goes the fourth” and enjoy 247 years since we said “thanks, but no thanks” to England. And there are plenty of great events taking place over the weekend. Here are some unique events taking place.

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

There is nothing more patriotic than listening to the reading of the Declaration of Independence. This is an annual event that takes place at Morristown National Historical Park starts at 1:00 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty.

Honoring Revolutionary War Soldiers in Belleville

If you are a regular reader, you know of my love for my hometown of Belleville. One of the town’s hidden gems is the Dutch Reformed Church. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Reformed Dutch Church of Second River. Founded in 1697, it is named after the Second River, which is a tributary of the Passaic River. The church was rebuilt in 1725 and again in 1807. The church steeple was used as an observation post during the American Revolution. Over 60 Revolutionary soldiers are buried in the adjacent graveyard. At 11:00 a.m., members of the community will honor those soldiers buried there. The ceremony will include a roll call of troops, the raising of the colors, patriotic music, and will conclude with a 21 gun salute. For more information please call Michael at 973-780-7852 or email bellevillehistory@gmail.com. While you are there, consider making a contribution to the restoration of the church’s steeple that was seriously damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

Hammonton Independence Day Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade? And Independence Day is the perfect day for it. The best part is kids can join in on the fun by decorating their bike or wagon and marching along! The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on the 4th.

Fireworks at Wildwood

Of course you need to finish out the holiday with fireworks and going down the shore to watch them as they rise in the air over the beach and the boardwalk. This special fireworks spectacular, launched from the beach at Pine Avenue, is synchronized to patriotic music playing over the Wildwoods Boardwalk sound system. I’ve written in the past about my love of Wildwood, so that is the perfect spot to finish the day.

No matter what you decide to do over the holiday weekend, have a safe and happy Independence Day. Make sure to party like a patriot!