CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — The Cape May County Board of Commissioners has authorized $248,346 in matching grants for all 16 municipalities through the “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” Grant Program, according to the county’s Public Information Office. The commissioners unanimously approved the awards at their April 28 public meeting.
The program was created by resolution on Feb. 10, 2026. It offers 50/50 matching grants of up to $25,000 per municipality to support, enhance and elevate local patriotic events. The county appropriated up to $250,000 for the initiative, and all 16 municipalities submitted applications with matching funds and project descriptions. County Administration reviewed and approved every request as fully compliant with program guidelines, according to the release.
“These grants represent a meaningful investment in our communities and in the shared celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” Board of Commissioners Director Leonard C. Desiderio said. “From drone shows and expanded festivals to parades, historical reenactments, and new patriotic traditions, residents and visitors across Cape May County will have abundant opportunities to come together to honor and celebrate the enduring values of liberty and independence that define our nation.”
The largest awards, at $25,000 each, went to Cape May City, Lower Township, Middle Township, Ocean City, Upper Township and Wildwood Crest. Their plans include drone shows, fireworks, concerts, expanded festivals, banners, historical programming and family activities. Wildwood received $23,375, Avalon received $20,725, and Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor each received $12,500.
Other grants included $9,230 for North Wildwood, $7,500 for Woodbine, $5,180 for West Cape May, $3,386 for West Wildwood, $2,950 for Cape May Point and $1,000 for Dennis Township. Planned uses range from bike parades, patriotic decorations and public concerts to a photo contest, commemorative flags, a commemorative book and a museum celebration.
Several towns outlined specific dates in their applications. Middle Township plans an old-fashioned American fair July 1 at the Ockie Wisting Recreational Complex in Rio Grande. Stone Harbor’s Patriotic Bike Parade & Festival is set for June 29, and its home and business tour is planned for July 1. Sea Isle City’s two patriotic drone shows are scheduled for June 30 and July 7.
“Cape May County joins the nation in marking this historic milestone,” Desiderio said. “The Board of County Commissioners reaffirms its patriotic commitment to enhancing the America 250 experience for every resident and visitor. Through these vibrant, community-driven celebrations, we will proudly celebrate the ideals of liberty, freedom, and independence that have defined our great nation for two-and-a-half centuries. Let’s make this an American birthday celebration to remember for generations to come!”
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