All across Cape May County resorts and mainland communities plan to mark the 239th anniversary of the nation’s independence with a variety of celebrations beginning July 3rd in Lower Township with a Festival and Fireworks over the Delaware Bay. Throughout the day July 4, towns will host a variety of activities and conclude with fireworks as dusk turns to dark.
All of the following events take place on July 4th unless otherwise noted.
Avalon
Enjoy a day full of Fourth of July Activities in Avalon. The Celebration starts at the 10th Street Recreation Field at 9:30 a.m. for field races! After you get your fill of races, head to the Family Fun Fest at 30th Street and the Beach from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy fun, games and activities with the whole family leading up to the fireworks which start around dusk. The pyrotechnic show is set to patriotic music. Also throughout the day are free concerts at the 30th Street Pavilion.
Cape May
After enjoying your family barbeque on the Fourth of July, head down to the beachfront to enjoy a fireworks display located in front of Congress Hall, 251 Beach Avenue at around 9 p.m. On July 5th, Cape May continues the celebration of our Independence with a Fourth of July Parade. The parade will feature three string bands, decorated bicycles, antique automobiles, veterans organizations, local officials and much more! Anyone interested in participating in the Independence Parade please contact the Cape May Department of Civic Affairs at (609) 884-9565 or email tbrown@capemaycity.com.
Lower Township
On Friday, July 3rd, Lower Township is THE place to be to show your patriotism. Along the Bayfront between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue, Lower Township will be hosting an Independence Day Festival with fun and games for the entire family. Enjoy a breathtaking bay sunset and by 9 p.m. the fireworks begin!
Middle Township
Celebrate Independence Day with Middle Township at the Davies Sports Compex at 626 Goshen Road in Court House. Weather permitting, festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and will include vendors, food, crafts, activities and live entertainment by Thirsty Wilson. The Little Patriot Contest will begin at 6:15 p.m. and participants will be judged on their patriotic attire. Rain date is Sunday, July 5. For more information, please contact the Middle Township Recreation Department at (609) 465-8743.
Ocean City
Start you day July 4th by dressing up your bike in your best patriotic pride and join in the Bike Parade. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Longport Bridge Parking Lot. The parade begins at 10 a.m. At Noon, join the Ocean City Theatre Co. Spotlight Performers and Show Choir for a Star Spangled Salute at Mark Soifer Park on the corner of 9th and Asbury Ave. Later, meet at the 9th Street Beach to partake in the kite flying competition beginning at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks. For more information, contact 609- 399-6111.
Sea Isle City
Have some competitive fun on Fourth of July at the Junior Olympics at 9:30 a.m. Kids can compete in running, throwing and jumping contests. Winners will receive medals on a three-tiered victory platform. At 7:30 p.m. enjoy the music of the Atlantic Pops Orchestra Concert at the Excursion Park Band Shell. When the concert comes to an end, enjoy fireworks at the 50th Street Beach.
Stone Harbor
Join in on the fun Saturday, July 4th for the Independence Day Celebration on the 81st Street Recreational Field. Beginning at 9 a.m., there will be a Sand Sculpture Contest followed by a Home Run Derby, foot races, bike decorating contest, and a decorated lifeguard stand contest. End the day with a concert and fireworks show from the soccer field around 9:30 p.m. Rain date is July 5th.
Upper Township
Start your day in Strathmere for a Fourth of July parade beginning at 10:30 p.m. The parade starts at Commonwealth Avenue at Williard Road and proceeds down to Commonwealth Ave. to Prescott Rd., west to Bayview Dr. to the Deauville Inn where Refreshments will be provided and prizes will be awarded. For further information about the parade, contact Parade Chairperson Karen Mitchell at (609) 231-6000. At 4 p.m., head over to Amanda’s Field at 10 Sunset Drive in Petersburg for an Independence Day Celebration including three live bands, food vendors and lots of activities for children. Around 9 p.m. enjoy fireworks over the field.
Wildwood
Begin your Day with the North Wildwood Fourth of July Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues proceeding towards 1st and Surf Avenues. At 8th and Atlantic, the Pooch Parade joins in with the fun. Dress your dog in its patriotic garb and walk alongside decorated bicycles in red, white and blue. The parade is free for all spectators. For more information, contact the Wildwoods Recreation Center 609-522-2955.
At 7:30 p.m. families can enjoy a free summer concert at Centennial Park in Wildwood Crest featuring Bennie & The Jets, an Elton John Tribute Band. Bring your Beach Chair or Blanket and enjoy hits such as “Candle in the Wind”, “Rocket Man” and many more. For additional information call 609-523-0202 or visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com.
At 8:30, enjoy a patriotic show at Fox Park at Burk and Ocean Avenues. The Philly Pops Orchestra will be on hand to perform the best of patriotic tunes such as the “Star Spangled Banner”, “God Bless America”, among many others. As the concert whines down, the fireworks begin! The beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood plays host to the pyrotechnic extravaganza. Fireworks will be visible from anywhere on the island.