Independence Day Festivities

Avalon

Mark your calendar and break out all things stars and stripes as the Borough of Avalon celebrates the Fourth of July from July 1-4 with its All-American Celebration. With fun activities that the entire family can enjoy together, there is no better place to celebrate Independence Day.

Start the celebration on Friday, June 29 with a special Fourth of July Tie Dye activity at Avalon Community Hall from 10-11:30am. On Sunday, July 1, head over to the 10th Street Fields for the annual Field Races and Family Fun. The event begins at 10am and will include several activities that test your skills. On Monday, July 2, the recreation department will offer soccer and baseball at their normal times and the Avalon Free Public Library will host its Monday Funday! summer reading program at 10am. After a day on the beach, head over to Veterans Plaza for a special Monday night concert featuring the 63rd Army Band at 7pm.

After your cookout on Tuesday, July 3, you won’t want to miss “Mummers and a Movie” at 30th Street and the beach. Beginning at 6pm, join in with the whimsical sounds and sights of several area Mummers bands as they wow the crowd. The performance leads up to the weekly Tuesday night beach movie at dusk featuring “Wonder.” Don’t forget to bring your beach chairs and blankets.

Independence Day kicks off with the annual boat parade in the back bay of Avalon at high tide. All interested participants can register at Avalon Community Hall prior to the event. Sing and dance along to the melodies of Andrew Jude from 1-3pm on the 30th Street beach. From 6-8pm, Avalon’s 30th Street parking lot will feature family fun such as bounce houses, face painting and more. At 7pm, head inside Community Hall for an Avalon tradition, the Bay Atlantic Symphony concert. All these events lead up to the spectacular display of fireworks off the 30th Street beach beginning at 8:45pm.

For more information, go to avalonboro.net.

Stone Harbor

Back for its second year, the USTA Independence Day Open Tennis Tournament on June 30 and July 1 will kick off Stone Harbor’s Fourth of July festivities. Players and spectators are encouraged to wear their red, white and blue while enjoying this lively event at the courts at 97th Street. The event features men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed categories. Also on July 1, 7 Mile Sports will host its annual Harbor Hustle 5K and 2 Mile family walk, featuring an out-and-back course with the waves by your side. Registration will begin at 6:30am followed by the event at 8am.

Enjoy a day of sun and sand, cookouts and more before the ultimate display of fireworks in Stone Harbor on Monday, July 2, when the borough hosts its Independence Day Celebration. Eddie Morgan and Rebirth will take the stage at the 95th Street Pavilion for a jazz and blues concert leading up to the fireworks at 9:30pm. The rain date is Tuesday, July 3.

On the Fourth, the Stone Harbor Recreation Department will host its annual races and contests, with registration beginning at 9am. Whether you choose to hunt for candy, test how slow you can go on your bike, or show off your baseball skills, the event has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The day kicks off with the opening ceremonies at the 82nd Street Complex. The Hoy’s 5 & 10 candy scramble will begin at 10am for kids up to 6 years old. Immediately following the scramble, boys and girls, women and men of all ages will participate in the foot races, followed by the slow bike races. Don’t forget your red, white and blue streamers, and stars and stripes, as you decorate your bikes (and strollers) for the decorated bike contest! Prizes will be awarded to the best decorated and most patriotic.

Artists of all ages will head to the beach at 9am to get started on their masterpieces for the Sand Sculpting Contest. Judging for different age groups will begin at 11:30am. On the softball and baseball fields, boys and girls ages 7-12 will show off their hitting skills for a chance to win prizes during the Phillies Home Run Derby at 10:30am. Age groups will be categorized as 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12.

Registration is required for the Sand Sculpture Contest, Phillies Home Run Derby, and the Decorated Bike contest and will take place from 9-10am at the 82nd Street pavilion.

For more information, go to shnj.org or stoneharborrecreation.com.