Rockets’ Red Glare

The skies will be lit with fireworks in celebration of Independence Day

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Princeton’s annual fireworks show will take place July 2 in the fields adjacent to Princeton University’s football stadium.


   Get out the red, white and blue and sit back while the skies light up. Independence Day means there’ll be plenty of festivities throughout the area. Here’s a rundown of some of this year’s celebrations — don’t forget the bug spray!
Montgomery’s Independence Day Celebration will take place June 29 at Montgomery High School, 1016 Route 601, Montgomery. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with inflatable rides, games, food vendors and music by the Party Dolls from 7:30-9 p.m. Parking is limited. (609) 466-3023.
The Fourth Annual Mercer County Freedom Festival will feature music and fireworks at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, June 30, 1-9:30 p.m. The concert lineup kicks off with the Sensational Soul Cruisers at 2 p.m. Kindred Spirit will play at 4:15 p.m. and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will play at 7 p.m. Fireworks will begin at around 9:15 p.m. as the acoustic band Shootin’ Looks performs. Food and beverage vendors, breweries, wineries and craft vendors will be on hand as well. Admission is free; www.mercercounty.org
Riverside Symphonia celebrates the nation’s birthday with its annual Concert Under the Stars at Tinicum Park in Erwinna, Pa., June 30, 8 p.m. The evening will feature performances of Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes," John Williams’ "Liberty Fanfare," a salute to big bands, a Dixieland Jamboree and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s "1812 Overture." Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnic suppers. Tickets cost $25, $10 children. Advanced tickets (strongly encouraged) cost $20, $10 children. (609) 397-7300; www.riversidesymphonia.org
Peddler’s Village’s Celebration of Freedom hosts live entertainment, picnic-style food and children’s activities at Route 202 and Street Road, Lahaska, Pa., June 30, 4-10 p.m. Fireworks by Pyrotecnico (which has provided shows for the Eagles and Phillies) will begin at 9:15 p.m. and will be visible from anywhere in the village. Admission and parking are free. Additional parking will open at 7 p.m. at the Midway Carnival Grounds with complimentary shuttle buses running until midnight.
Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Department will hold the Independence Day Celebration, Fireworks and Family Fun Night, June 30 at the Auten Road School on Auten Road. Complimentary shuttle bus service will be available from the Middle School and High School beginning at 3 p.m. Fireworks will start at around 9:15 p.m. Admission is free. (908) 369-4832.
Spirit of Princeton’s annual fireworks show will take place July 2. Spectators can gather in the fields adjacent to Princeton University’s football stadium starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at dusk (around 9:10 p.m.); www.spiritofprinceton.org
Hamilton Veterans Park will host an Independence Day concert and fireworks at the south entrance off Kuser Road, Hamilton, July 3, beginning at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by the Fabulous Greaseband. Food vendors, face painting and a moonwalk will all be available. Care-packages or items to donate to the troops gratefully accepted. (609) 890-4028.
Franklin’s holiday celebration will happen at Franklin Township Municipal Complex, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, July 3, 6-9 p.m. The fun will include food vendors, inflatable rides, clothesline art exhibition, crafts and games. (732) 873-1991; www.franklintwpnj.org
Washington Crossing Park’s Independence Day Celebration includes visits from Thomas Paine and Gen. Washington, July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The day’s events period music, colonial-era children’s games, costumed re-enactors and tours of the park’s buildings. The park is located on Route 32, north of Route 532 in Washington Crossing, Pa. (215) 493-4076; www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossingwww.phmc.state.pa.us
Bordentown Township will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 at Northern Community Park on Groveville Road in Bordentown. The day’s festivities will begin with the annual Fish Derby, 10 a.m.-noon. The Bordentown Regional High School Student Council work the concession stand, provide games for kids, and host a silent auction. Live music and fireworks will start at dusk.
Florence’s Patriotic Celebration kicks off July 7 with a 5K walk and run at 8:45 a.m. (registration 7:45 a.m.) at Alterra Sterling House, 901 Broad St., Florence. Entry fee is $15. The Salute to Our Community Volunteers parade will begin at noon at Delaware and Railroad Avenue. A concert featuring the band Nostalgia will start at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:10 p.m. at the municipal complex, Waterworks Field, Sixth and Broad streets; (609) 499-2525, ext. 112; www.florence-nj.com
Lawrence’s Fourth of July celebration will begin with a concert at the Rider University Campus Green by Centennial Lake July 4 at 7 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Free. (609) 844-7000.
The Freedom Fest Agricultural Fair will take place at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Exit 11 off Route I-195, Allentown, July 10-14. Festivities will include monster truck rides, live bands, lawnmower racing, horse fair, rides, games and more. Indoor concert by 38 Special, July 10, costs $25-$35. Indoor concert by Third Day, July 12, costs $30-$40. For admission and ride fees, go to www.freedomfestfair.com