CAPE MAY — Cape May invites residents and guests to join in a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th birthday with the annual Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4.
One of Cape May’s most beloved summer traditions, the parade is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Philadelphia Avenue and travel down Beach Avenue to the Cape May Beach Patrol headquarters.
The celebration will feature decorated vehicles, community organizations, veterans groups, first responders, dignitaries, marching units and patriotic displays honoring the nation’s founding.
“This year’s parade is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates 250 years of independence,” City Manager Paul Dietrich said. “Cape May has a deep connection to American history, and we are proud to bring our community together to honor this milestone while celebrating the values that make our country strong.”
Families are encouraged to line the parade route dressed in red, white and blue. The celebration will continue into the evening with a fireworks display. Sponsored by the city, Congress Hall and Cape May County, fireworks will be launched from a barge offshore in front of Congress Hall beginning at about 9:30 p.m. The rain date for the parade and fireworks is scheduled for Monday, July 6, and will be announced via social media.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as large crowds are expected throughout the day. Road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect along the parade route and surrounding areas.
Visit capemaycity.com or call (609) 884-9565 for additional information.
Additionally, a variety of free concerts will be held over the holiday weekend in Rotary Park, located at 400 Lafayette St. Bring a blanket or chair as seating is limited and enjoy the music beginning at 7 p.m.
The weekend lineup is as follows:
— July 3: Tom Powdermaker Duo
— July 4: Nolan Quinn & The Troublemakers
— July 5: Quarantined Quartet
— July 6: Geno White Trio
Free concerts are available at Rotary Park every Friday to Monday during the summer season. Visit capemaycity.com to view a full lineup.
Cape May Point
The borough will hold its traditional bicycle parade starting at 10 a.m. July 4. The theme, Paint the Point Patriotic, urges residents to fly American flags and decorate their homes with bunting and stick flags to “turn Cape May Point red, white and blue. Let’s line our streets with color.”
The parade starts at the firehouse, where there will be treats following the procession.
West Cape May
West Cape May will host “Celebrate America’s 250!” from 4 to 8 p.m. July 1 in Wilbraham Park to commemorate the birth of America. This family-friendly event will feature opening remarks at 4:30 p.m., music by the U.S. Coast Guard Band at 4:45 p.m. and The John Walter Cape Community Band at 6 p.m.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and your best red, white and blue.
There will be food trucks, festive decorations, face painting, balloon animals and patriotic souvenirs.
The celebration will take place in historic Wilbraham Park, which has hosted gathering for more than a century. Join the community for a traditional, all-American gathering, offering picnic-style food, a mini parade and patriotic music.
Lower Township
The township celebrates America 250 with a festival beginning at 5 p.m. July 3 on the bayfront in North Cape May.
The event will include rides, food, entertainment and expanded amusements. Fireworks are set to blast off after 9 p.m. A rain date is set for July 5.
The festival were made possible by nearly $250,000 in Celebration 250 grants from the Cape May County Board of Commissioners, which provided matching grants to all 16 municipalities under the “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” grant program.
The program provided 50/50 matching grants of as much as $25,000 per municipality to support, enhance and elevate local events.
All 16 municipalities submitted applications with the commitment of matching funds and detailed project descriptions. County administration reviewed and approved every request as fully compliant with program guidelines.
“These grants represent a meaningful investment in our communities and in the shared celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” Board of Commissioners Director Leonard 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.”
