Wildwood Independence Day Weekend

WILDWOOD – June 12, 2015 – July 4th Weekend in the Wildwoods – Friday, Juy 3 through Sunday, July 5 – is filled with fun events and live entertainment – many of them FREE to attend – and a back-to-back FREE fireworks spectacular, unlike any other at the Jersey Shore.

Friday, July 3
Fireworks on the Beach
Enjoy a summer fireworks extravaganza on the beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood. Visible from almost anywhere in the Wildwoods, the spectacular display will begin at 10 p.m. In the event of rain, the fireworks will be Sunday, July 5 at 9 p.m. For more information call 609-523-1602 or visit http://www.DoWildwood.com.

Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5
Fourth of July Boardwalk Craft Show
The Fourth of July Boardwalk Craft Show kicks off this festive weekend, taking place Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and continuing Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk at Rio Grande Avenue, rain or shine, featuring all-handmade merchandise. For more information call 609-522-0378 or 609-522-0198, or visit www.BoardwalkCrafts.com.

Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show
The Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles Show will also take place all weekend long inside the Wildwoods Convention Center and is FREE to attend. Presented by RK Sports Promotions, the expo will feature more than 100 tables of the hottest collectibles including old and new sports cards, toys, comic books, Starting Line-ups, McFarlane figures, non-sports cards, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, Beanie Babies, videos, wax boxes, supplies, autographed memorabilia, sets, posters, coins, t-shirts, Legos, dolls and much more. Sports fanatics will enjoy special autographs from baseball legends and special sport stars. Expo hours are Friday, July 3 from 3 – 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday, July 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information call 732-422-9365 or visit www.RKSportsPromotions.com for a detailed schedule of events.

Saturday, July 4
Independence Day Parade and Patriotic Pooch Parade
Start the 4th of July at The Independence Day Parade and the Patriotic Pooch Parade. The Independence Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. at 9th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood and proceeds north to 1st and Surf Avenues. Check in for the parade is from 8 – 8:45 a.m. The Patriotic Pooch Parade will join the march through the Wildwoods at 8th and Atlantic Avenues. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will parade along the streets dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes will be awarded for the best bikes decorated with a red, white and blue theme, along with prizes for the best dressed pooches. To register, call 609-522-2955. The event is FREE to attend.

Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market
The Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturday, July 4 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. featuring fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, prepared foods, local wine, craft beer and more. The market is located at 3501 Pacific Avenue, on the corner of Schellenger and Pacific Avenues in Wildwood, and will be held every Saturday until August 29. For more information, call 609-523-1602 or visit www.DoWildwood.com.

Fourth of July Beach ‘n Boardwalk Patriotic Run/Walk
The Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Walk will begin on Saturday, July 4 at 9 a.m. The 5K Fun Run will begin at the iconic Wildwoods Sign located at Rio Grande and Ocean Avenues, and travel north to the Wildwoods Convention Center, then down the boardwalk extension to the beach. The route will run south and continue on the hard packed sand to Primrose Avenue in Wildwood Crest, looping back to the Wildwoods Convention Center for the completion of the race. The 1-Mile Walk will head down the Wildwoods Boardwalk to Cresse Avenue and back to the Wildwoods Convention Center. Awards will be presented at the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to “Top Finishers” and “Most Patriotic Dressed.” All funds raised from the Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Walk will be used to help maintain the Wildwoods Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Registration will take place from 8 – 8:45 a.m. at the Wildwoods Convention Center. The registration fee is $25 for adults and $10 for students 18 and younger. Commemorative T-shirts will be given to all participants who pre-register at www.WildwoodsWall.com/5k. For additional information, call 609-849-8887.

FREE Wildwood Crest Summer Concert Music Series
The FREE Wildwood Crest Summer Concert Music Series takes place Saturday night, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. featuring Bennie & The Jets, an Elton John tribute band, at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue in Wildwood Crest. All ages are welcome; just bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy FREE live music for the entire family. For more information, call 609-523-0202 or visit www.VisitWildwoodCrest.com.

FREE Philly POPS Patriotic Concert
Starting at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, families can enjoy a FREE concert by the Philly POPS Orchestra at Fox Park, located at Burk and Ocean Avenues in Wildwood. Conductor Michael Krajewski will lead Broadway vocalist Capathia Jenkins – a beloved regular POPS performer – and The Voices of The Philly POPS through a selection of well-known and well-loved patriotic tunes, including The Star Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes, the Armed Forces Salute, and God Bless America. This event is part of the Philly POPS Salute Series honoring our nation’s traditions, values, and commitment to service. Bring your beach chair or blanket and be prepared to be wowed by one of the greatest orchestras in the country! For additional information, call 609-729-9000 or visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or www.PhillyPops.com.

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
At 10 p.m. people all over the Wildwoods will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show extravaganza. Originating from the beach at Pine Avenue in Wildwood, this incredible Fourth of July pyrotechnics display will be sure to awe and amaze, and is visible from almost anywhere on the island. This special holiday fireworks extravaganza is sponsored by GWTIDA. In the event of rain the show will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 9 p.m. For additional information, call 609-523-1602.

Sunday, July 5
FREE Fox Park Concert Music Series
FREE live music continues on Sunday, July 5 at the Fox Park Amphitheatre, located at Burk & Ocean Avenues in Wildwood, at 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the Sounds of Society (Chicago Tribute Band). For more information, call 609-522-2444 or visit www.WildwoodNJ.org.

The Wildwoods are the place to be this Fourth of July Weekend for fun, entertainment and lots of FREE events for the whole family!
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.