'Freedom Convoy' To Support Truckers Will Pass Near Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A convoy and event will take place in parts of New Jersey as part of the larger “Freedom Convoy” movement this weekend, with plans to pass near Essex County.

The New Jersey convoy is one of several separate events planned around the nation, which are being done in solidarity with the recent Canadian trucker convoy that closed down border crossings to protest coronavirus vaccine mandates.

However, organizers of New Jerseys convoys say they aren’t encouraging the kind of highway shutdowns those protests caused last month. Organizers of the event have emphasized it is a nonpartisan demonstration with a message of “freedom.” And state law enforcement say they aren’t anticipating any traffic problems, so long as the convoy keeps moving.

The convoy event will take place on Saturday in North Jersey, and on Sunday in South Jersey. Read More: NJ Freedom Convoy (What To Know This Weekend)

According to a route map posted online, the New Jersey convoy will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. It will pass several highways near Essex County, including Rt. 3, US-46 and I-80, before ending for the day with a welcome rally at the New Egypt Speedway from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Here’s how organizers describe the event on their website:

“We Americans love our freedoms and our country. This convoy aims to restore our civil liberties and freedoms. Our goal is to protect the freedom of choice for future generations. It’s not about political parties, but more so, we believe our government has forgotten its place and has no regard for our Founding Fathers’ instructions: the Constitution of the United States of America. We believe that the power of politicians on all sides has been abused. We demand our voices be heard once again. ‘We The People,’ of all political affiliations and walks of life, demand the restoration of our democracy and an end to all unconstitutional mandates.”

Organizers continue:

“The public is free to attend all events in support of our truckers, bikers, farmers, and passenger vehicles participating in this convoy. You are encouraged to bring donations of sealed food, snacks, water, clothing, cards from kids, etc., for the truckers as they prepare to venture onward in a peaceful display of freedom. A trailer will be available at both events to drop off supplies, food, and other donations for our truckers. We also have a list of drop-off locations being made in your local area, if you cannot attend. These drop-off locations will bring the items directly to Salem County Fairgrounds to be added to the donations trailer going with the convoy from NJ on the morning of March 7. A list of recommended items is found pinned at the top of the official New Jersey Convoy Social Media websites. All donations will go directly to the convoy route participants who will choose to leave our state the following day, and not to those who are traveling home.”

With reporting by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch staff

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