By Anne Levin
It’s finally here. The Semiquincentennial, the official celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, peaks over the July 4 weekend, with events planned locally and across the region. Following are some of the commemorations planned for the actual birthday: Saturday, July 4.
Morven Museum and Garden’s Fourth of July Festival is ground zero for Princeton’s celebrations, making the most of its connection to the 250th anniversary as the home of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The free event on July 4 is from 12-3 p.m. and features live music from The Vintage Vibe Tribe and John Burkhalter of the Practioners of Musick. Also planned are lawn games, face painting, food trucks, and free arts and crafts activities. Poet David Mills will read from Frederick Douglass’ famous 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Visit morven.org for details.
Trenton is preparing to mark the 250th birthday with Heritage Week, which runs from July 3-8. A multicultural parade is the focus of events of July 4, beginning at 11:30 at Trenton City Hall. More than 50 marching units including four bands and 10 floats, as well as circus performers, antique cars, and representations of many cultures, will take part in the parade, which winds up at the historic Battle Monument.
Next is “Democracy Reborn,” a multicultural festival in Mill Hill Park — site of one of the Battles of Trenton — from 1:30-5 p.m. On the schedule are food, live music, an escape room, soccer clinics, and tables from crafters and civic organizations. Parking in the city’s five municipal garages is free. A visitors’ center at 1 West State Street has information on additional historic sites in the capital city. Visit trentonnj.org for details.
Just steps from Mill Hill Park is the Old Barracks Museum, where local officials will help swing open the gates, which have been closed during the past year for restoration. Starting at 10 a.m., visitors can preview three new exhibits that highlight the Barracks’ role in American history. And for the first time in decades, a recreation of George Washington’s Inaugural Flower Arch, which he passed through during his inaugural march in Trenton, will be on display. Visit barracks.org for more information.
A few miles north at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Pa., the festivities are set for 4-9:30 p.m. Live music and fireworks over the Delaware River follow a Living History program, from 4-8 p.m., which includes a military encampment, musket and artillery firing demonstration, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and children’s activities. Food trucks will be on site. Admission to the Living History program is $10 (kids 5-11, $6); the fireworks are free. Visit washingtoncrossingpark.org.
Three days of celebrations are planned for the “New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival” July 3-5. Both towns have documented roles in the American Revolution, back when New Hope, Pa., was known as Coryell’s Ferry, a strategic Delaware River crossing. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold established the Continental Army headquarters at the Logan Inn, which still operates today. On July 4, highlights include a Revolutionary Pub Crawl, a concert by Donna Summer and ABBA tribute bands, and more. Stores and restaurants will be decorated for the holiday throughout the weekend, with special promotions planned. Visit americacelebrates.org for more information.
July 4 is the final day of Philadelphia’s citywide commemorative festival, which started with Juneteenth on June 19. A ceremony at Independence Mall will be held at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, admission is free to visit the museums Cliveden House, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the Powel House. The “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway starts at 3 p.m., followed by fireworks when it gets dark, concluding on the final minute of the birthday at 11:59 p.m. Check visitphilly.com for details.