AVALON – The Borough of Avalon will feature the largest fireworks display in South Jersey, two free patriotic concerts, a Mummer’s parade and plenty of other free, family entertainment during the July 4th holiday weekend. Avalon’s celebration of America’s 240th birthday begins on Thursday, June 30 and runs through Monday, July 4.
The highlight of the holiday weekend occurs on Sunday, July 3 with a huge fireworks display set to patriotic music on Avalon’s 30th Street beach. The fireworks begin at dusk between 8:45-9 p.m., and will be visible throughout the 7 Mile Beach. The music simulcast for the fireworks display will be broadcast on local radio station WCZT-FM, 98.7 The Coast.
Preceding the fireworks the Borough of Avalon welcomes the world-renowned Bay Atlantic Symphony for a free concert featuring patriotic music inside Avalon Community Hall at 7 p.m. No tickets are necessary and seating will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. Maestro Jed Gaylin will conduct the Symphony during this unforgettable performance entitled “Quest and Delights of Freedom.” The Symphony’s program for the concert alternates between music that inspired people in their quest for freedom, and music that delights in the pleasures of living in a free society. Selections include compositions from Leroy Anderson, John Philip Sousa and Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The Borough of Avalon and the Symphony welcome legendary Philadelphia radio and television broadcaster Tom Lamaine who will serve as the guest conductor for the orchestra during the performance of “Stars and Stripes Forever”.
The holiday weekend begins on Thursday, June 30 with a live performance by the 63rd Army Band at Veterans Plaza, located at 21st Street and Dune Drive, at 7 p.m. On Friday, July 1 Avalon hosts an Arts and Crafts activity for children at Avalon Community Hall at 10 a.m. At 6 p.m., a “Battle of the Mummers Bands” parade will start at Community Hall and head north towards Veterans Plaza. On Saturday, July 2, the Avalon Department of Recreation will host field races and family fun at the 10th Street field at 10 a.m.
The Avalon Department of Recreation will be hosting an Independence Day celebration at the 30th Street parking lot from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 3, before the fireworks. There will be bounce houses and other free attractions for the children in both the parking lot, and on the beach.
On Monday, July 4, Avalon will host its popular Boat Parade at 11 a.m. featuring dozens of boats decorated for the holiday. For registration information, please contact the Avalon Department of Recreation at (609) 967-3066. There is no fee to participate in the parade.