Where to see Fourth of July fireworks in Somerset, Hunterdon and Union counties
Though the 250 th anniversary of the United States is just a few years away, another important anniversary will be marked on July 4th.
Lebanon Borough will hold its 75th Independence Day parade on Monday, among the many holiday events in Central Jersey.
Lebanon Borough
The day’s events kick off with the Children’s Parade for youngsters 10 and under. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Sutton Place across from the fire department. The parade will start at 9:30 a.m. from Sutton Place and head west on Main Street. Children may participate on a decorated bicycle or float.
The main parade steps off at 10 a.m. following its traditional route west on Main Street to Myrtle Avenue then to Brunswick Avenue before ending at Holjes-Sheppard Memorial Park where the annual picnic will begin immediately after the parade.
Activities at the park will include the singing of the national anthem, a flag-raising ceremony, presentation of trophies, refreshments and games.
The borough off Route 22 is also holding its House Decorating Contest where awards will be given for the best patriotic theme décor.
Borough roads will close at 8:30 a.m.
Middlebrook Encampment, Bridgewater
Another longstanding July 4th Central Jersey tradition will be returning for the 128th time at the Middlebrook Encampment on Middlebrook Road off Route 22 in Bridgewater.
The campground is one of the first sites where Betsy Ross' American flag flew over the Continental Army commanded by Gen. George Washington in 1777.
The traditional ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. with welcoming remarks from Bound Brook Mayor Fazen, a retired lieutenant colonel and West Point graduate, who is also president of the Washington Camp Ground Association, and Bridgewater Mayor Matt Moench.
Erick Chandler, an U.S. Navy veteran from Bound Brook, will read the Declaration of independence.
Other Somerset County events
After being cancelled the last two years because of the pandemic, Somerset County’s fireworks and Indepedence Day celebration will be returning to North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater.
Gates to the park will open at 6 p.m. Rain date is Tuesday, July 5. Admission is free.
From 6 to 9 p.m, the “Jersey Blues” will reenact a Revolutionary War encampment.
From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and 10 to 11 p.m the seven-member “The Fabulous Greaseband” will perform rock and roll dance songs.
The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Food trucks selling pizza, ice cream, wings, pitas, egg rolls and hot dogs will be at the park.
The Somerset County Park Commission and the Bridgewater Police ask the public to arrive early to avoid parking delays. Parking will not be allowed on Routes 202 and 22.
More:Flemington fireworks returning for first time in three years
The Park Commission will allow picnic baskets but prohibits personal fireworks and alcohol.
Traffic delays are expected for about 30 minutes after the fireworks show.
There will also be fireworks after the Somerset Patriots game against Bowie Baysox at TD Bank Ballpark on East Main Street in Bridgewater.
In North Plainfield, the annual parade will start at 10 a.m. in front of West End School and will end in front of Borough Hall, 263 Somerset St.
In Franklin, there will be a concert at 6 p.m. Friday followed by fireworks at the municipal complex.
Hunterdon County
Fireworks will be returning to Flemington for the first time in three years on Sunday evening.
The festivities at Reading-Fleming Intermediate School will begin at 6:30 p.m. Spectators are asked not to arrive before 6:30 p.m. A disc jockey and and Rita’s Ice will be on site.
Fireworks will be launched shortly after 9 p.m. Rain date is Tuesday, July 5.
Union County
In Plainfield, the annual July 4th parade will begin at 10 a.m. on East Front Street at Netherwood Avenue and end at Park Avenue.
At 7 p.m., there will be a concert at Cedar Brook Park featuring Rochelle Fleming, Monifah, David Cedena and his Orchestra, Deep Cova band and comedian GL. Douglas. There will be fireworks after the concert.
In Scotch Plains, there will be fireworks at dusk Saturday at Scotch Hills Country Club on Jerusalem Road. Rain date is Sunday.
In Westfield, beginning at 10 a.m. July 4, the Westfield Historical Society will hold 20-30 minutes of patriotic readings from the porch of the Reeve House at 314 Mountain Ave.
The readings include the Declaration of Independence in a recording by President Kennedy, the Bill of Rights and Lincoln’s second inaugural address.
In New Providence, the fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on South Street.
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.