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July 3 - 10
What Exit?
John Adams suggested how Americans might spend future Independence Days when he wrote to his wife on July 3, 1776.
Were it a mere matter of referendum, our exit from the British Empire would have been a dull affair, perhaps casually remembered today as "AMEX". But we chose revolution, and have since celebrated our independence for 248 years with fervor. The Fourth of July, as John Adams put it, "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." Heed our forefather! There's plenty of action
to choose from.
Stars and Spangles
The 13-Star Betsy Ross flag at Middlebrook
In New Jersey we are fortunate to be able to celebrate our independence on hallowed ground, the Crossroads of the Revolution, where so many crucial moments in the war took place.
Among the many Fourth of July festivities scheduled, the traditional patriotic exercises at the Middlebrook Encampment in Bridgewater will commence on Thursday, July 4.
For 130 consecutive years, the Declaration of Independence has been read on Independence Day at the twenty-acre park operated by the Washington Campground Association at 1761 Middlebrook Rd. in Bridgewater. The park commemorates the two major Continental Army encampments at Middlebrook, in spring of 1777, and winter of 1778-79. It is here that the first American flag was unfurled, and where a 13-Star Betsy Ross flag flies continuously by special act of Congress. The solemn Independence Day Ceremony there, well-attended by dignitaries, consists of a changing of the flag and the reading of the Declaration, followed by a keynote speaker and an historical address. Ceremonies begin at 10am.
Morristown National Historical Park celebrates with July Fourth activities beginning at noon on the park's Washington’s Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place. The event will feature interactive demonstrations by reenactors from the 2nd New Jersey regiment. Visitors can join in singing soldier songs from the era, explore period-correct tents displaying what soldiers would have carried with them, and learn about the daily lives of soldiers during the Revolutionary War. These activities will be followed by the reading of the Declaration.
At 1:00 pm, the "Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence" will commence.
Razzle Dazzle
Did you ever notice those large insects zipping over streams and ponds all summer long, skimming the water, then shooting about in zigzag patterns that make your head spin watching them? Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively belonging to the taxonomic order Odonata, are named for their prominent biting mouth parts and predatory nature. Not to worry they don't bite or hunt people! Amazing is the fact that there are more species of dragonflies in Sussex County (145, out of a possible 182 in NJ) than any other county in the United States. Rack up another superlative for NJ's Great Northwest!
Big Ponds, Big Fish
Walleye pike
Pound for pound, the hybrid striped bass rates right up there with the best of the fresh water fish when it comes to putting up a good fight once hooked. Pound for pound, the walleye is hard to beat for table fare, with some fishermen calling it the best tasting fish of them all. Fortunately for those anglers in this part of the state who like some muscle on the end of their line and tasty fillets on the table, there are plenty of both fish around due to vigorous and well-planned stocking programs. These fish are there ... but you're going to have to work for them.
Power Plants
For those in the know (and it's important that you know before you pick) the forests and fields of Northwest Jersey offer a visitor much more than a walk in the park. They are a veritable garden; Nature's garden of edible and medicinal plants.
From the lowliest ground creeper to towering trees, each plant has some nutritional, chemical, edible properties, for better or worse.
Much more...
Summer Sparklers
Peters Valley School of Craft shares the experience of the American Craft Movement with interactive learning through a series of workshops. A shop and gallery showcases the contemporary craft of residents and other talented artists at the Crafts Center... ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood and more in a beautiful natural setting.
Tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current stories.
Pick from a multitude of daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website. Choose your own adventure!
Like many other small, independent and specialized information sources, our budget will increasingly rely on reader donations. Help us keep you informed about all the great stuff to do in and around Northwest New Jersey! If you like what we offer, we hope you'll consider a contribution.
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