Charter Day Returns With Street Fair, History Events In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township will celebrate its 266th anniversary on Saturday with Charter Day in downtown Basking Ridge, a rain-or-shine event organized by the township Department of Parks & Recreation.

The 30th annual celebration is set to include a street fair, entertainment, art and history displays, food and amusements.

Charter Day marks the history of the 1760 Charter of Bernards Township. This year’s event will also recognize the nation’s 250th anniversary, with several additions planned, including a 250th Anniversary scavenger hunt, themed entertainment, art displays, and souvenirs.

One feature this year will be local historical characters presented through the Township’s 250th Anniversary Committee.

The cast will portray Elias Boudinot, Eliza Morton, Lord Stirling, Widow White and General Charles Lee, described in the event information as important and lesser-known residents, along with a famous visitor captured in Basking Ridge in 1776. Attendees are encouraged to interact with the characters to learn about colonial life.

The Brick Academy, an 1809 Federal-style building listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, will be open to visitors and included as a scavenger hunt stop.

The building, now headquarters of The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills, includes a museum of local artifacts, an 1890s schoolroom and a research center.

Westminster Hall at the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge will again host the Student Art Show with work from local schools, and exhibits created by William Annin Middle School social studies students will be added this year.

Entertainment begins with the opening ceremonies at noon at Finley Avenue and Oak Street.

Scheduled performers include Tree House, The Pettets, Gotta Dance, Embrace Dance Company, Bhartnatyam Dance, RHS Madrigals, RHS Theater Arts and a magic show.

The day is scheduled to close with a 4:30 p.m. performance by the Garden State Trombone Quartet featuring music of Colonial America and the Revolution.

The street fair will feature local businesses, nonprofit groups, school organizations, service groups and crafters, with most vendors based in Bernards Township.

Food vendors will be set up near the stage and throughout the fair, including on the Oak Street School field with the amusement rides.

The NYNJ Host Committee Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour will also stop at Charter Day, bringing interactive soccer activities, giveaways, photo opportunities, and other World Cup-themed attractions to a fan zone near Oak Street School.

Parking will be available at Ridge High School, 268 South Finley Ave., and the Bernards Township Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane.

A free shuttle bus will run throughout the day, and a wheelchair-accessible shuttle will be available from the municipal building.

Event maps and schedules are available at www.bernards.org, where updates will also be posted if needed.