Communities across the country are finding their own ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the Fourth of July.
In New Jersey, the state Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, has partnered with RevolutionNJ and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the state’s commemoration.
On a more local level, the town of Hammonton — incorporated in 1866 and known as “The Blueberry Capital of the World” — has a two-day affair planned from July 3 and 4 led by MainStreet Hammonton.
It fittingly begins with on July 3 with a Blueberry block party with a giant lit-up blueberry and confetti cannons. The shindig will be held from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the ARH parking lot at 215 Bellevue Ave. with live bands, performances, kid’s activities, beer garden, and civic organizations.
On July 3, there will also be a Beer Garden, 8-11:30 p.m. – Blue Rascal Distillery and Harrison Beverage – Let’s Be Frank – photo op, race car driver Craig Pellegrini Jr. and others to be determined.
Live bands/performances on July 3 include:
• Gas Pedal Steel, sponsored by G. Hummel Electric
• Singer Emma Baglivo, singing the national anthem and “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
• Typical Pickle, sponsored by the Sons of Italy
• Giant Blueberry lit-up, countdown and, confetti celebration (sponsored by Jeff & Mary Young)
Daytime festivities on the Fourth of July will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various locations in town. There will be live bands, performances, kids’ activities, food and snacks, civic organizations, and a parade. On a blueberry note, the Methodist Church will provide blueberry pie slices.
Trolley tours depart from The Bellevue and will run every 30 minutes from 9 to 11 a.m.
There will be food, activities, and/or civic groups participating from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Veteran’s Park.
• 10:30 a.m. – Presbyterian Church Organ Music – Patriotic and Other, Cindy Bernbaum
• 11 a.m. to noon – Calvery/Victory Band – Patriotic and other
• 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. – David Connely, Bagpipe, Patriotic, Military
• 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Park
• 1:15 to 1:30 p.m. Following ceremony – David Connely Bagpipe, Patriotic, Military
• 1:30 to 2 p.m. – Distribution of bells to children (sponsored by Salon A’Vanti)
• 2 p.m. – Presbyterian Bell Choir – Ringing of the Bells
• 2:15 p.m. – Brass Band (sponsored by St. Joe’s)
In addition, a patriotic movie will play all day on loop at the Eagle Theatre. The Bellevue will be open during the day with vehicles and items on display. Coloring contest winners will also be on display.
America’s 250th parade will begin at 4 p.m. down Bellevue with Grand Marshall Bill Parkhurst, a life-long resident and long-time member of the Historical Society of Hammonton, leading the proceedings. The Parkhurst family was among the first settlers in the Hammonton area in the original New England migration over 150 years ago, with some of his ancestors departing from England nearly 200 years previously, according to the Historical Society.
Evening Fourth of July events will run from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hammonton High School with live bands, DJ, and food/snacks.
- 6 to 7 p.m. – DJ – Traveling Man Entertainment
- 7 to 8 p.m. – Sam Irwin – band
Festivities will end with fireworks starting at 8 p.m. Be on the lookout for updates and additional details on MainStreet Hammonton’s website and social media pages.
