Mercer County has no shortage of Independence Day events this year. The festivities began as early as July 2 and continue throughout the month, with plenty of fireworks on tap for the July 4 weekend. Here are just a few of the main events scheduled this year.
Concert and Fireworks, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township, on July 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Concert featuring local band Kindred Spirits will start at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks starting at about 9:45 p.m. 609-844-7067. lawrencetwp.com/rec.html
Fireworks, Spirit of Princeton, Princeton University Sports Fields, on July 2 at 7 p.m. Independence Day celebration. Picnics welcome. Bring blankets or chairs. No alcoholic beverages. 609-683-4008. spiritofprinceton.homestead.com.
Independence Day Celebration, East Windsor Township, Etra Lake Park, Etra Road, on July 3 at 6 p.m. Music by Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band and the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One Band. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Raindate is Saturday, July 5. 609-443-4000. east-windsor.nj.us.
Fireworks, Foundation for Bordentown Traditions, Veterans Memorial Park, Ward Avenue, Bordentown, on July 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Concert by Funk & Roll, food, children’s play area. Fireworks at dusk. E-mail bordentowntraditions@gmail.com for information. Free. 609-298-4332.
Trenton Thunder, Arm & Hammer Park, Route 29, Trenton, on July 3, at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks after the game. $11 to $27. 609-394-3300. trentonthunder.com.
Independence Day Concert and Fireworks, Downtown Freehold, Freehold Raceway, 130 Park Avenue, Freehold, on July 4 at 5:30 p.m. Performances by the Rock & Roll Chorus and the Turnstyles. Fireworks at dusk. Raindate is Sunday, July 6. 732-333-0094. downtownfreehold.com.
Parade, Ewing Township, Parkside Avenue, Ewing, on July 4 at 10 a.m. “Happy Birthday America, Proud to be American.” Featuring music by the Odessa Klezmer Band. 609-883-2900. ewingnj.org.
Celebrate July 4: American Independence, Friends of Washington Crossing State Park, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Route 32, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Re-enactors present a window into the past through military exercises, musket firings, and three readings of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of McKonkey’s Ferry Inn. $8 includes admission to Bowman’s Hill Tower, the Thompson Neely House, and the Lower Park. 215-493-4076. ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing.
4th of July BBQ, Grounds for Sculpture, 126 Sculptor’s Way, Hamilton, on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Made-to-order cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. 609-584-7800. ratsrestaurant.org.
Independence Day Celebration, Princeton Battlefield State Park, Princeton Battlefield Park, 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Revolutionary War period soldiers demonstrate drill, artillery, and flintlock muskets. Clarke House volunteers demonstrate domestic skills found on a farm. Period games will be available for children of all ages to try. Thomas Clarke House and the “Arms of the Revolution” exhibit open to tour. Presentation about the Battle of Princeton. Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch (no barbecues or alcohol). Hike on the trails of the adjacent Institute Woods. 609-921-0074.
Stars n’ Stripes, Washington Crossing Open Air Theater, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Musical. Blankets, seat cushions, a flashlight, and insect repellent are recommended. Snack bar. $15. 267-885-9857. dpacatoat.com.
Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, South Brunswick Recreation, South Crossroads School fields, on July 4 at 5:30 p.m. Music from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors. Raindate for fireworks is July 5 at 9:15 p.m. 732-329-4000. sbtnj.net
Concert and Fireworks, Cranbury, Main Street, on July 5 at 6 p.m. Concert by Mercer County Symphonic Band followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring blankets and a picnic dinner (no alcoholic beverages). Raindate is Sunday, July 6. 609-395-0900.
Annual Festival, Freedom Fest State Fair, Horse Park of N.J., 626 Route 524, Allentown. on July 8-13 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Carnival midway, rides, pie eating contests, horse shows, and more. Concerts by EagleMania (A Tribute to the Eagles) and Tusk (Fleetwood Mac tribute). Rain or shine. $10. Fireworks. 609-610-0910. freedomfeststatefair.com.
