Somerset County Cancels July 4th Fireworks, Most Events For 2020

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The Somerset County Fourth of July Fireworks, Summer Concert Series and Holiday Festival are among the events canceled due to the financial and health impacts of the new coronavirus.

The Somerset County Park Commission announced on Tuesday that the majority of its events, programs, and activities for the balance of 2020 are canceled due to lack of funding. A large chunk of funding was generated through revenue-producing golf facilities, which were ordered closed by Gov. Phil Murphy in April to encourage social distancing.

"The decision to cancel some really unique experiences that have been enjoyed by Somerset County residents for decades has not been made lightly, but without the significant revenue that we are able to generate from golf fees, depending on how long our golf courses remain closed, we will have a budget gap to fill that puts the maintenance of our other park facilities at risk," said Park Commission President Mark Caliguire. "Given the unparalleled global circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our staff members, the thousands of acres of parks and open space that we steward, and those individuals who contribute to our programs, the Commission whole-heartedly believes that this is the best course for the remainder of the year."

Among others, event cancellations include:

• The Rose Day Festival at the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden at Colonial Park;
• The Independence Day Fireworks at North Branch Park;
• The Summer Concert Series at Duke Island Park;
• The 1770’s Festival at Lord Stirling Park;
• The Holiday Festival at Lord Stirling Stable.

Programming (including camps, clinics and lessons) for the remainder of the year have also been canceled at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, the Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge, the Green Knoll Tennis Center in Bridgewater, and the Therapeutic Recreation Program in Bridgewater.

The Warrenbrook Pool in Warren and the Putting Course, Paddle Boats, and Spray Park at Colonial Park in Franklin will remain closed for the season.

"This terrible pandemic has affected so many individuals, families, and organizations. The Somerset County Park Commission is no exception," said Park Commission Secretary-Director Geoff Soriano. "Our golf facilities are the Commission’s financial lifeline as revenue generated from golf helps to fund much of our other departmental programming. The loss of golf revenue for the better part of March and April has severely compromised the Park Commission’s functionality, and we are optimistically awaiting the day when we can open our first tees to our loyal golfing patrons. We've put a plan in place and will be ready to pivot if circumstances change either for the better or the worse."

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