MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — From fireworks and parades to military tributes, historical reenactments and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, Morris County communities are celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary with dozens of events throughout the holiday week.
Many of this year's programs are part of the nationwide America250 initiative, commemorating the nation's Semiquincentennial while highlighting Morris County's significant role in the American Revolution. Residents are also encouraged to participate in the nationwide "Light to Unite" campaign by displaying red, white, and blue lights at homes and businesses through July 8 and sharing photos on social media using #NJLightToUnite and tagging @MorrisCountyNJ.
Independence Day Weekend Events
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Here's a look at Fourth of July celebrations taking place across Morris County:
- Chatham Borough: Annual Fourth of July Parade at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, traveling west along Main Street. Fireworks will follow later in the evening at Chatham Middle School.
- Denville: Denville Days returns July 3-5 at Gardner Field with carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors and a concert capped by fireworks on Saturday, July 4.
- East Hanover: Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, featuring food, music, a DJ and fireworks.
- Florham Park: America's Birthday Bash begins with a 9:30 a.m. parade through downtown on July 4, followed by a family picnic at Borough Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with rides, barbecue, food trucks and live music. A community rendition of "Happy Birthday" to America is scheduled for noon before evening fireworks begin at 7 p.m.
- Morristown National Historical Park: A public reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place at Washington's Headquarters (Ford Mansion) on Saturday, July 4. A historical interpretation program begins at noon, with the official reading at 1 p.m.
- Mendham Township (Brookside): The community's annual Fourth of July Parade returns on Saturday, July 4.
- Parsippany-Troy Hills: The township's weeklong America Week celebration concludes with a community barbecue and fireworks on Saturday, July 4.
- Whippany Burying Yard: Guided Fourth of July tours will highlight Morris County's oldest colonial cemetery, established in 1718, where veterans of the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War and Civil War are buried. Registration is required.
The Celebration Continues
America250 festivities continue after Independence Day with several additional events:
- July 7: The Morris County Traveling Mural Project visits the Morris County Library.
- July 7: Boonton Township hosts a chapel concert.
- July 8: Morris County joins communities nationwide for a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Historic Morris County Courthouse.
- July 9-11: Randolph Freedom Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary with rides, food, entertainment and fireworks on July 11.
- July 11: Lake Hopatcong hosts its America250 celebration featuring a boat parade from Nolan's Point, an all-fleet sail from Bertrand Island to Halsey Island and a paddler flotilla.
- July 11: Mount Arlington commemorates America's 250th anniversary with a historical walk through Memorial Park, colonial-era games, interactive exhibits, Bertrand Island memorabilia and a beach concert.
- July 11: Mountain Lakes hosts its Stars, Stripes & Sirens Community Photo Exhibit and Touch-a-Truck event.
- July 25: Boonton Township concludes its celebration with a fireworks display at RVA Field.
County officials say additional parades, festivals and fireworks are planned throughout all 39 Morris County municipalities during the America250 celebration year. A complete calendar of events is available at morriscounty250.com.