This is probably the busiest week of the whole summer on the shore. This year, Avalon is promising to launch the biggest fireworks show in all of New Jersey. That’s quite the claim! Elsewhere, massive festivals are taking place, many of which close down sections of the street to make way for patriot celebrants. If we missed something, email chall@cmcherald.com
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Cape May
Independence Day Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. – rain date July 5
Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place
The fireworks go off behind Congress Hall but you can see them from along the beach at Convention Hall past Congress Hall Beach.
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Cape May Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 6 at 1 p.m. – rain date July 7
Runs along Beach Ave
The parade is an annual event to honor our veterans and feature string bands along with many other performing groups, family entries, classic automobiles, veteran organizations, and local officials.A fun, new addition to the parade is the “Best Decorated” contest. Participants are strongly encouraged to decorate their golf cart, bicycle, or baby carriage and show us their Red, White & Blue for a chance to win a prize. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced immediately following the parade in front of the Convention Hall.
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Stone Harbor / Avalon
Avalon Boat Parade
Wednesday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Avalon’s bayfront
The Parade will take place on Wednesday, July 3 with a patriotic theme, as boats and participants will be decked out in red, white and blue. Bring a chair and find a spot along the waterfront as the parade sets sail. Starting from the Avalon Yacht Club, the Parade will cruise along the following route: east through Cornell Harbor, then heading south along Third Avenue Harbor (passing by Avalon Sports Fishing Center), west along Pennsylvania Harbor (passing Avalon Anchorage Marina), entering Princeton Harbor, heading east down one side, turning around and heading west down the other end upon returning into the inter-coastal waterway.
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Avalon Fireworks + Star Spangled Jam
Fireworks on Thursday, July 4 at 8:55 p.m., concert at 5:30 p.m.
Visible in most of Avalon – concert at Surfside Park
Avalon promises the “biggest fireworks display in all of New Jersey” – can they be beaten? Find out, get yourself over to Avalon! Before the show, three bands will perform American classic rock n roll songs at Surfside park.
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Stone Harbor Independence Day Concert & Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Recreation Field at 81st Street and Second Ave
We are pleased to announce that our July 4th Fireworks display has been moved back to Stone Harbor’s Recreation Fields at 81st Street and Second Ave! Pre-fireworks Concert with the BLT Band starts at 7:30 p.m.!
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Stone Harbor 4th of July Races and Games
Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
80th Street Baseball Fields, 82nd Street Beach, 82nd Street Recreation Field
Every year, Stone Harbor hosts a series of fun competitions on the 4th of July. Last year, they hosted sand sculpting contests, a candy scramble, foot races, a Phillies Home Run Derby, slow bike races, and a bike decorating contest. For info on this year’s event, check out Stone Harbor’s online events calendar.
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Sea Isle City
Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Launched from a barge off 50th Street Beach
View our fantastic fireworks show from anywhere on the island. Hear Patriotic Music along portions of the promenade during the show.
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Bike Decorating Contest + Family Dance Party
Friday, July 5 at 10 a.m.
Excursion Park, 2 41st St, Sea Isle City
Children and their families are invited to decorate their pedal-powered Tricycles, Bicycles, Stollers, and Scooters – and Wagons too – and participate in the Recreation Office’s Bicycle Decorating Contest & Family Dance Party on Friday, July 5, at Excursion Park, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. During this free event, judges will award prizes to the best decorated “rides” in two categories: Individual Children up to age 12 (10:00 AM to 10:30 AM) and Families/Groups of Kids & Adults (10:30 AM to 11:00 AM). There will also be a grand prize for “Best in Show.” Registration for the Decorating Contest will begin onsite starting at 9:45 AM. Participants can choose any decorative theme they like. Families can also dance the morning away at the Band Shell, enjoy complimentary giveaways, play games on Excursion’s Park’s lawn, and ride along the Promenade to show-off their bicycle displays. For more info, phone the Rec Office at 609-263-0050.
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Mainland
Lower Township 4th of July Celebration
Wednesday, July 3 at 5 p.m.
North Cape May along Bay Drive from Lincoln to Browning Avenues
Large sections of road are closed off for this annual bash, the biggest event of the year in Lower Township. Come out for a festive crowd, four live bands, food items from ice cream to crab cakes, amusement rides, and fireworks. A 30-minute fireworks show will be launched from an offshore barge at 9 p.m. Inflatable games will be available including football and a pitching machine. Two areas off Bay Drive will have amusement rides for children available for a nominal fee.
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Middle Township 4th Festival and Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 at 3 p.m.
Goshen Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Road
Games, vendors, music, a pie-eating contest, live music, and more! Fireworks set off at dusk. This year’s event will feature additional craft and food vendors, a hair tinsel booth, face painting, a magic show, remote control monster trucks, a pie eating contest, Maximus Prime the Transformer, and more.
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Upper Township 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4 starting at 4 p.m. – rain date July 5
1091 NJ-50, Woodbine
Every year, Upper Township hosts a festival at Amanda’s Field park, with vendors, live music, games, food, celebrations, and fireworks after dark.
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Ocean City
Free Outdoor Symphony
Wednesday, July 3 at 8 p.m.
Carey Stadium, 6th and Boardwalk
Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. The Carey Stadium concert will give people of all ages a chance to hear what a true local resource we have here in town. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available on the bleachers.
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Patriotic Pie Eating Contest
Wednesday, July 3
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Celebrate America with a good old-fashion apple and cherry pie eating contest. No hands allowed! Contest is free. Open to all ages. Limited to 150 participants. Takes place at the Music Pier and must be present at 10:30 a.m. start time to participate.
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Pops Outdoor Orchestra Concert #2
Thursday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
Carey Stadium, 6th and Boardwalk
Our legendary local orchestra will perform patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, and there will be seating available on the bleachers.
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Three Bike Parades
All take place on Thursday, July 4 – locations vary
Times and locations listed below
The Gardens Civic Association bike parade begins registration 9:00 a.m. at the Longport
Bridge parking lot. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The South OC Improvement Association, City of Ocean City & the Chamber of Commerce host a bike parade with registration 9:00 a.m. at 40th & Asbury Ave. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The Riviera Neighborhood hosts the third parade; registration at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosemar Lane Park. Parade begins at Noon.
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Kite Flying Competition
Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m.
Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
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4th of July Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
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Wildwoods
Thursday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave
Wildwood Business Improvement District (WBID) is bringing in The Juliano Brothers and throwing a July 4th Party at Byrne Plaza! Gather your friends and head to 3400 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood for this free dance party with live music by The Juliano Brothers
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4th of July Boardwalk Craft Show
Friday to Sunday, July 5 – 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Starts at the south end of the Wildwoods Boardwalk
Artisans, handmade craft items, boutique items, gifts & more come to the boards.
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Wildwood Crest Special Patriotic Concert
Thursday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Centennial Park, Fern and Ocean Ave
Free live music for the entire family featuring “Flip Like Wilson” (rock and dance hits). Bring a blanket or beach chair!
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Fireworks Spectacular
Thursday, July 4 at 10 p.m.
Fireworks are shot off from the boardwalk and are visible on most of the island, as long as you are near the beach! Best view from near the middle of the boardwalk, near Morey’s Mariner’s Pier.
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Patriotic Pooch Parade
Thursday, July 4 at 9 a.m., register between 8:15 and 8:45
8th & Atlantic Ave, North Wildwood
Check in for a free Pooch Parade at Bill Henfey Park from 8:15 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. Parade begins at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues, joins Pooch Parade at 8th & Atlantic Avenues and proceeds north to 1st & Surf Avenues. No rain date. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bikes, strollers, scooters, golf carts etc. in red, white and blue theme. Call 609.522.2955 to register to participate in the parade. Pooches can be registered the day of the parade. All ages are welcome to participate in the parade.
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Independence Day Family Parade
Thursday, July 4 at 9 a.m.
Parade begins 9th and Atlantic Avenues
Check-in at 9th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood. Registration takes place from 8:15 am – 8:45 am and parade begins at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood and proceeds north to 1st and Surf Avenues. No rain date. Prizes awarded for the best decorated bikes wagons, strollers, scooters and low speed vehicles in red, white and blue theme. FREE! For more information or to register in advance for the parade, call 609.522.2955 or visit NorthWildwood.com.