Two local communities celebrated America’s 237th birthday July 4-5 with two separate events that included cookouts and fireworks among family and friends.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Two local communities celebrated America’s 237th birthday July 4-5 with two separate events that included cookouts and fireworks among family and friends.
Blankets and chairs filled Thompson Park in Monroe July 4 as family and friends gathered together during the its 15th annual Fourth of July Celebration.
The event included a DJ, family entertainment, a variety of vendors and concluded with a fireworks display, which started around 9:10 p.m.
Mayor Richard Pucci welcomed everyone to the celebration.
”I certainly want to welcome all of our Monroe families, all of our Jamesburg neighbors and all our surrounding communities who are visiting with us this evening,” said Mayor Pucci. “On this 237th birthday of this great country of ours, we hope you enjoy this wonderful display of fireworks but I think its important that we all remember in our thoughts and prayers all the young men and women who make today possible by giving us this wonderful freedom.”
Mayor Pucci then asked for a moment of silence to “think about all the young men and women who gave their lives, who have been injured severely and who are currently serving (in the military).”
Next, Mayor Pucci asked everyone to join him in a countdown to the start of the fireworks.
It was estimated that more than 10,000 people attended the event.
The smell of food cooking on barbecue grills filled the air during the evening as the celebration kicked into full swing.
Other local dignitaries in attendance included Township Council President Gerald Tamburro, Council Vice-President Henry Miller, Councilman Stephen Dalina, and State Sen. Linda Greenstein, D-14, and State Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, D-14.
”I want to wish each and every one of you Happy July 4th, at least what’s left of it, and a wonderful year ahead,” said Sen. Greenstein. “I hope all of you had a great time.”
”It’s great to see the community come together every year for the July 4 event it has become a Monroe tradition,” said Mary Lange, Monroe Township Recreation Program Supervisor in an email on Tuesday.
Various township departments worked together to help “ensure a safe and happy event” which included the Monroe Township Recreation and Parks Departments, Monroe Township Police and Emergency Medical Services, Middlesex County Parks, and Middlesex County Rangers.
”Every year we strive to improve and build on the event,” said Ms. Lange.
By the reactions of the crowd, the town seems to be doing just that.
”It gets better and better every year,” said Carl Richards, of Jamesburg.
His daughter Ava Mae Richards, 1, of Jamesburg, was enjoying going down the bouncy slide.
There were some changes made this year to the celebration.
”This year we changed up some of the rides that are provided by the township,” Ms. Lange said. “A big hit was the bungee trampoline,”
According to Ms. Lange, this year included more vendors with some crafts vendors added.
”Everyone waited patiently in line for the rides and the vendor kept the rides open as long as possible before it got too dark,” Ms. Lange added.
The Fox family attends the celebration every year and was standing in line for daughter, Haylee, 4, of Jamesburg, to jump in the bounce house.
”It’s fun and hot,” said mom Joy Fox.
One highlight of the celebration was the fireworks.
”Sitting and watching the kids have fun,” said dad Gregg Fox was another highlight of the evening.
Olivia Gabriel agreed with Mr. Fox that was her highlight as well.
”(It is) lots of fun,” said Olivia Gabriel, of Jackson, who was there with her kids and friends.
”It’s always a lot of fun,” said Robert Horn, of East Windsor adding that it’s nice the town does not charge to attend the event.
”The feedback is all positive from the community,” Ms. Lange said. “Many compliments to Mayor Pucci and Monroe Township for hosting this great event. The vendors’ feel that this event is extremely organized and they look forward to other Monroe Township events and next year’s July 4th (event). The vendors were very generous in their food donations again this year over flowing the township truck and stuffing the township vehicles with nonperishable items.”
In Neighboring Cranbury, residents extended the celebration of the nation’s independence on July 5 with cookouts and fireworks in the company of family, friends and neighbors during the Cranbury Fireworks Spectacular.
”The fireworks display, the way we do it in Cranbury, is one of those special things that makes Cranbury, Cranbury,” said Township Committeeman Daniel Mulligan.
The fireworks became a tradition of celebrating the day after the holiday following the celebration of Cranbury’s Tercentennial in 1997.
”This event has found its groove and it works from year to year,” said Linda Scott, Department of Public Works assistant
”All of the feedback I received from residents was the show was amazing and, if not the best, one of the best they viewed in the area,” Mr. Mulligan said.
Families in the community have come to see the annual festival as a tradition now, and enjoy participating every year.
”I started going at the tercentennial with my parents and sister,” said Township Committeeman Jay Taylor. “Since then it’s become a tradition for my family and I to get together with some close friends for a BBQ before heading over to watch the event.”
”To me it’s one of those things where we get to see our kids grow and memories created,” Mr. Taylor said. “I hope the tradition will continue so that as our kids grow and reach college age we parents can say remember when.”
Cranbury Township hosts the fireworks display and the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society hosts the band, according to Ms. Scott.
”It has also been a huge event for our community providing fund raising opportunities for organizations like the Lions Club or a way to bring people into town for our businesses,” Mr. Taylor said. “Each year it seems we get more attendees.”
According to Mr. Mulligan, all of the surrounding streets were packed with “happy people” before and after the show.
Mr. Taylor commented on the importance of volunteers who “put in their time” which helps to keep the costs down for the event
”CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) helps direct traffic and check for alcohol while the fire company and first aid squad remain on standby,” Mr. Taylor said.
The Mercer County Community College Orchestra lead by Lou Woodruff returned this year to perform.
”This band is a crowd favorite,” Ms. Scott said adding it was to begin playing at approximately 6:30 p.m. in Village Park.
The highlight of the evening for many people including Ms. Scott is the fireworks.
Mr. Mulligan agrees.
”The finale, it was spectacular, with flashing lights that lit up the sky like Christmas trees,” Mr. Mulligan added.
The Clugsten family, of East Brunswick, has been coming to the fireworks for the at least the past seven years. Jim Clugsten said he returns to visit with old friends he went to school with.
”I have to say that Cranbury puts on one of the best firework shows,” said Melinda Clugsten. “We love the finale, but the true highlight is seeing the excitement on our daughters faces as they watch the whole show.”
For daughter, Kai, 7, it’s almost extra special because it takes place around her birthday, a pre-celebration for her.
”We now take our two girls, Kai and Leini to see the fireworks,” Ms. Clugsten said. “We tell Kai that the fireworks are for her birthday (which is July 7).
Friends Karen DeRosa, of Cranbury, and Terri Hutchinson, of Hightstown agree on a few things when it comes to a town they grew up in.
”Every year the fireworks in Cranbury get better,” said Ms. Hutchinson.
”I am proud to be from a town that always has great community events,” said Ms. DeRosa.
”The fireworks are never disappointing each and every year,” said Suzanne Healey. “You get about 20 minutes of constant beauty going off in the sky and if you are one of the lucky people to get into the park before it starts that is the best seat to have.”
International Fireworks of Douglassville, PA put on the display for both townships.