Basking Ridge To Host Brazil-Morocco World Cup Festival, Watch Party June 13

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge will host a free community celebration on Saturday centered on the World Cup teams from Brazil and Morocco, which are practicing and staying in Bernards Township.

The event, called the "Battle of Basking Ridge," will bring a Soccer Village, Cultural Street Festival and watch party to downtown Basking Ridge.

The township said the event is being made possible through a World Cup Community Initiative Grant from ChooseNJ, along with sponsors including Somerset County and Somerset County Tourism.

The festival is designed as an all-ages event and will focus on soccer, cultural programming and activities for families.

"We are thrilled to capture the excitement of hosting the teams from Brazil and Morocco through The Battle of Basking Ridge," said Bernards Township Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy. "This once in a lifetime celebration is a unique moment to convene residents and visitors in our community."

The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. with the Soccer Village and Street Fair.

The festival footprint will include country-themed entertainment and ethnic cuisine tied to the two nations being celebrated.

A meet and greet with Christie Rampone is also planned as part of the street fair.

Rampone is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion. She was called up to the National Team in 1997 and served as captain from 2008 until retiring in 2017.

The event will also include a Kid Zone with skill challenges and a gaming truck, along with professional soccer tricksters, live entertainment, cultural performances and a DJ.

Children will be able to receive a Panini book and stickers while supplies last, and a "sticker exchange" is scheduled from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.

"One of the most joyful moments of this event will be seeing the faces of children as they receive their Panini World Cup book and sticker packets — sparking conversations, trades, and friendships that capture the true spirit of the World Cup. This would simply not be possible without our extraordinary sponsors and supporters, whose belief in our community made it happen. We are so grateful," said Jennifer Asay, Bernards Township Committeewoman.

A watch party for the Brazil vs. Morocco match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

The main viewing area will be at Oak Street School field, with an accessible viewing area in the Oak Street parking lot off Henry Street.

Visitor parking is available in the parking lots of 233, 222, 200, 180-188 and 150 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge.

Somerset County will provide free shuttle service from 2:30 to 9 p.m. (end of soccer match).

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