Although Independence Day arrives in the middle of a week this year, there is no shortage of patriotic events throughout the week. Herewith the day-by-day rundown:##M:[more]##
Friday, June 29
Independence Day Celebration, Montgomery Recreation, Orchard Hill Elementary School, 609-466-3023. Grilled food, children’s games, and inflatables, followed at 7:30 by the music with the Party Dolls. Fireworks start at dusk. No raindate. No pets. 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 30
Freedom Fest, Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Mercer County Park, Near the Ice Rink, 609-989-6559. www.mercercounty.org. Petting zoo, agricultural displays, rides for children, food court, live music, rides, crafts, and games. In conjunction with the 4-H fair. Concert by Sensational Soul Cruisers, Kindred Spirit, and the NJ Symphony Orchestra followed by fireworks at nightfall. Bring a chair or blanket. Picnics are welcome. 10 a.m.
Monday, July 2
Fireworks, Spirit of Princeton, Princeton Stadium, 609-683-4008. Independence Day celebration being held in the field behind Princeton Stadium, between Fitzgerald and Western Way. DJ music starts at 6:30; picnickers should bring blankets or chairs. Fireworks begin between 9:15 and 9:30, rain or shine. Ample parking on campus. 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 3
Fireworks, East Windsor Township, Etra Lake Park, 609-443-4000. Concert followed by fireworks begin at 9:30. Raindate is July 7. 6 p.m.
Fireworks, Veterans Park, Kuser Road, Hamilton, 609-890-4028. www.hamiltonnj.com. 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 4
Guided Tour, Princeton Cemetery, 19 Greenview Avenue, Princeton, 609-924-1369. Guided tour of the historic cemetery led by Reverend Reid Byers, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary. No reservations needed. Maps are available at the gate. Free. Noon.
Established in 1757, and known as the Westminster Abbey of the United States, the Princeton Cemetery occupies 15 acres and is managed by Nassau Presbyterian Church.
A ramble through the cemetery’s older section highlights the graves of President Grover Cleveland, Vice President Aaron Burr, three Civil War generals, merchant Paul Tulane, escaped slave Jimmie Johnson, and author John O’Hara. The Presidents’ Plot includes memorials to past presidents of Princeton University, including John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Other notables include publisher Sylvia Beach, pollster George H. Gallup, and mathematicians John Von Neumann and Kurt Godel.
Tidal Wave, South Brunswick Department of Recreation, South Brunswick High School, Monmouth Junction, 732-329-4000. www.sbtnj.net. Fireworks follows concert. 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks, Lawrence Township, Rider University, 609-844-7067. www.lawrencetwp.com. Concert followed by fireworks. 7 p.m.
Old-Fashioned Celebration, Fonthill Museum, East Court Street and Swamp Road, Doylestown, 215-348-9461. Recreation of an early 20th century July Fourth celebration including a decorated bike parade, a town ball game (19th century baseball), a watermelon eating contest, and live music. $3. Noon to 5 p.m.
