4th of July On the Island
Avalon
Join the Borough of Avalon to celebrate Independence Day with its All-American Celebration, July 1-4. The fun kicks off on June 29 with Thursdays on Dune, featuring Military Appreciation Night, superheroes, and Fourth of July activities for kids as well as a concert performance from the 63rd Army Band. Activities will be held from 5:30-7pm at Veterans Plaza and the concert is scheduled for 7-8:30pm.
On Saturday, July 1, round up the entire family and head to Avalon’s 10th Street fields for races and family fun. The event begins at 10am and features potato-sack races, balloon toss and the three-legged race the entire family will enjoy.
On Monday, July 3, you won’t want to miss the Mummers Band Parade at 6pm. Decked to the nines, Mummers bands will parade from Avalon Community Hall and head north to Veterans Plaza while playing festive music. Families can join in on the fun as well; decorate your bicycle and participate in the parade. When the sun goes down, grab your beach blankets and chairs and find a spot on the 30th Street beach for Avalon’s Beach Movie, “Star Wars: Rogue One.” Have fun, but be on the lookout for Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers, they might just invade the beach.
On Tuesday, July 4, the annual boat parade starts in the back bay of Avalon at 4:30pm. Register ahead of time at Avalon Community Hall. While you’re enjoying a beach day, be sure to stop by 30th Street beach from 1-3pm for a performance by local singer Andrew Jude. Enjoy your cookouts, then head back to 30th Street for the Avalon Independence Day Celebration from 6-8pm including bounce houses, face painting and more. At 7pm, head inside Community Hall for an Avalon tradition, the Bay Atlantic Symphony concert. All of these events lead up to the spectacular display of fireworks off the 30th Street beach beginning at 8:45pm.
For more information, go to avalonboro.net.
Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor is ready for a fun-filled Fourth of July weekend with new events and times this year. The fun takes place on July 1 and 2 starting with a new event: the USTA Independence Day Open Tennis Tournament on
96th Street. Held on the synthetic turf courts, the tournament will feature men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and mixed categories.
Join the Borough of Stone Harbor for its all-new fireworks display on Sunday, July 2. Kick off the day with a cup of coffee and some fresh produce from the weekly Farmers Market, held at 95th Street Water Tower Plaza from 8am-12:30pm. If running is more your speed, check out the annual Harbor Hustle 5K & 2-Mile Fun Walk hosted by 7 Mile Sports. The run and walk will begin at the recreation field at 82nd Street and First Avenue with registration beginning at 6:45am. The race will begin at 8am and the fun walk begins at 8:05.
Hit the beach and enjoy a barbecue, but save enough energy for Stone Harbor’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks, July 2 at the 95th Street Beach Pavilion. From 7:30-9:30pm, listen to the smooth-jazz sounds of Eddie Morgan and Rebirth and be sure to scope out your space on the beach for the grand display of fireworks.
On Monday, July 3, don’t miss Family Fun Night on July 3 at the Stone Harbor Firehouse featuring live sing-along songs by Yosi!
The fun continues on July 4 with a morning fit for the entire family to enjoy, including the Hoy’s 5 & 10 candy scramble at 10am for children up to 6 years old. The Phillies Home Run Derby begins at 10:30am on the softball/baseball fields for boys and girls ages 7-12. Hit the beach and test out your creativity during the sand sculpting contest from 9-11:30am. Registration for the contest will take place at 9am and the judging begins at 11:30. If biking is more your speed, see how SLOW you can go during the slow bike races or even try out the foot races, too. Don’t forget your red, white and blue as your decorate your bikes (and strollers) for the decorated bike contest! Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated, most original, or most colorful. Registration is required for the sand sculpture contest, Phillies Home Run Derby, and the decorated bike contest and will take place from 9-10am at the 82nd Street pavilion.
For more information, go to shnj.org or stoneharborrecreation.com.