Parades
All across Cape May County, resort and mainland communities plan to hold parades to honor the 241st anniversary of our nation’s independence. Celebrate our independence at one of the Fourth of July parades below!
Avalon
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: From the Main Channel at Avalon Yacht Club
Avalon’s popular Boat Parade will feature dozens of boats decorated for the holiday. Boats must register at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and the Beach, prior to the parade. There is no fee to participate in the parade. For more information, call (609) 967-3066 or visit avalonrecreation.org.
Cape May
When: Saturday, July 1 at 1 p.m.
Where: Beach Avenue from Philadelphia Avenue to Patterson Avenue, with the reviewing stand near Convention Hall
Cape May is honored to have Capt. Owen Gibbons, Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, as the Grand Marshal of the parade. The parade will feature string bands along with many other outstanding performing groups, family entries, autos, veteran organizations and local officials. For more information, call (609) 884-9565 or visit discovercapemaynj.com.
U.S. Coast Guard Sunset Parade
When: Sunday, July 2 at 7:59 p.m.
Where: Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, 1 Munro Ave., Cape May
Gates will open at 6:45 p.m. Guests should plan on being seated by 7:45 p.m., as security will close gate access at this time. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ceremony. Visitors should expect increased security screening for the event, and guests are not permitted to bring bags of any kind to the seating area. Photography is permitted and encouraged, but cameras must be removed from their bag prior to arriving at the seating area. Visitors attending the event must have a valid, state-issued identification card in order to access the base. For more information, call (609) 898-6700.
North Wildwood
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9 a.m.
Where: 9th and Atlantic avenues, proceeding north to 1st & Surf avenues
Parade check in will be from 8:15 a.m. at 9th & Atlantic avenues before the parade at 9 a.m. Prizes awarded will be awarded for the best decorated bikes in red, white and blue theme. Patriotic pooches will also join the parade, with check in at 8:15 a.m. at Bill Henfey Park, 8th and Atlantic avenues. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed pooches. For more information, call (609) 522-2955 or visit www.NorthWildwood.com.
Ocean City
Gardens Civic Association Bike Parade
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Where: Starts at the Longport Bridge parking lot
Sponsored by the Gardens Civic Association. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Longport Bridge parking lot. Parade begins at 10 a.m. For more information, call (609) 399-6111 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
South Ocean City Improvement Association Bike Parade
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
Where: Starts at 40th & Asbury Avenue
Sponsored by the South Ocean City Improvement Association. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at 40th & Asbury Avenue. Parade begins at 10 a.m. For more information, call (609) 399-6111 or visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Strathmere
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 10:30 a.m. (Rain Date: Wednesday, July 5)
Where: Commonwealth Ave. at Willard Rd. (blinker light), proceeding to Prescott Rd. and west to Bayview Dr. to the Deauville Inn
Parade registration will take place at the Strathmere Firehouse, 5 S. Commonwealth Ave., at 9:30 a.m. Judging will be held at 10 a.m. before the parade. After the parade, refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded at the Deauville Inn. For more information, call (609) 231-6000 or email KarenGMitchell@comcast.net.
Fireworks
Finish your Independence Day celebration with a “bang” and catch one of these great fireworks displays as Fourth of July’s dusk turns to dark.
Avalon
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 8:45 p.m.
Where: 30th Street Beach
Cape May
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Where: Congress Street Beach
Lower Township
When: Monday, July 3 at 9 p.m.
Where: Bay front between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue, North Cape May
Middle Township
When: Saturday, July 1 at 9 p.m.
Where: Clarence Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Rd., Cape May Court House
Ocean City
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Where: Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace & Boardwalk
Sea Isle City
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Where: 50th Street Beach
Stone Harbor
When: Sunday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m.; Rain Date: Monday, July 3
Where: View from any beach!
Upper Township
When: Tuesday, July 4 at dusk
Where: Amanda’s Field, 10 Sunset Dr., Petersburg
Wildwood
When: Tuesday, July 4 at 10 p.m.
Where: Pine Avenue Beach