Fourth of July Activities
Avalon
The Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday this year, which basically means it will cap off a five-day weekend … at least in Avalon. The theme for the weekly Friday night at Surfside Park will be Patriot Summer Kickoff. From 6:30-8:30pm, bring the family for balloon art, face painting, trivia and more. On Monday, July 3, find a seat on the back bays of Avalon for the Fourth of July Celebration Boat Parade that starts at 6:30pm. Check out the boats decked out in patriotic decorations. Also that night, Jane Kelly will appear at Surfside Park at 7 o’clock to discuss her new book, “Strangers in the Avalon Dunes,” as part of the summer speaker series. Avalon is the summer home of the Bay Atlantic Symphony, which will get you ready for fireworks on Tuesday with its Fourth of July Celebration Concert at 7pm. This event is free of charge, and seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis. After the show, all eyes will be on the skies: The Borough of Avalon’s fireworks display will launch from the 30th Street beach, and can be seen from any balcony or deck in Avalon. The Avalon fireworks, believed to be the largest display on the East Coast, will be set to patriotic music simulcast on WCZT-FM 98.7, the Coast.
Stone Harbor
The borough kicks off its holiday weekend at 7am on Saturday, July 1, with the Stone Harbor Sandbag Challenge, a race sponsored by the 31Heroes nonprofit group. It starts on the recreation field and features pushups, situps and squats before participants go to the beach and pick up a sandbag to carry 31 blocks. There also is a Kids Run for ages 10 and under. Register online at 31heroes.org/event/stone-harbor-sandbag-challenge. Also Saturday, the Stone Harbor Fire Department will host a hoagie sale from 8am-noon; be there early as they close up shop once sold out! On Sunday, July 2, stock up on barbecue favorites at the Farmers Market from 8am-12:30pm, at the Water Tower Plaza. And before you know it, Independence Day is here. The annual July 4th Field Day & Phillies Home Run Derby will keep the kids on the go from 9am-1:30pm. After hitting the beach and grabbing some grub, find a nice spot to wrap up the day just in time for the fireworks at 9pm!