BestofNJ.com

Amanda Shaw

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If a taste of New Orleans less than an hour from New York City in the hills of New Jersey piques your interest, than plan a trip to Augusta for the 21st Annual Crawfish Festival from June 4th to the 6th. What started as a small crawfish boil for 70 people homesick for the Southern staple in 1989, has turned into an annual pilgrimage for thousands. The festival features the classic sounds of Louisiana, from Cajun, Zydeco and Delta Blues, to New Orleans R&B, Brass, Gospel and Jazz on four impressive stages. While the music draws many visitors to the festival, it is the food that keeps them coming back. The menus of the weekend include fresh boiled Louisiana crawfish, Shrimp Creole, Alligator Sausage, Catfish Po-boys, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, Raw Oysters, Southern Fried Chicken and numerous other Southern dishes.

Here’s a list of performers for the festival this year:

• Terrance Simien
• Honey Island Swamp Band
• Amanda Shaw and The Cute Guys
• George Porter Jr. and The Runnin’ Pardners
• Taj Mahal
• Papa Grows Funk
• Stanton Moore Trio with Anders Osborne
• Mem Shannon and The Membership
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Johnny Ace and Sidewalk Zydeco
• Jeffery Broussard and The Creole Cowboys
• Red Stick Ramblers
• Rosie Ledet
• Joanne Shaw Taylor
• Railroad Earth
• Galactic
• Jesse Lege’
• The Iguanas
• Kenny Neal
• Marcia Ball
• The Campbell Brothers
• Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show
• Summer Rae McLaughlan

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Sussex County Fairgrounds
37 Plains Road
Augusta, NJ 07822
http://www.crawfishfest.com.

Winners of the Gloucester County Chamber’s Community Service Awards will be honored at a dinner party at the Riverwinds Community Center on June 2nd @ 6pm. To purchase tickets or advertising in the program booklet, call us at 856-881-6560 or email to jolson@gloucestercountychamber.com

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce

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Event Details:

Event Name: Gloucester County Community Service Awards Dinner
Event Venue: RiverWinds Community Center
Event Street Address: 1000 RiverWinds Drive
Event City: Thorofare, NJ 08086
Event County: Gloucester County
Event Date: Wed., June 2, 2010 from 6pm – 9pm
Event Admission: $65.00
Event Phone: 856-881-6560
Event Website: http://www.gloucestercountychamber.com

Lydia Johnson Dance
10th Anniversary Season
Dance
Saturday, June 12 at 8pm
Tickets: $35, $25 (Students, Seniors, and Dancers)

Lydia Johnson Dance

Lydia Johnson Dance has been consistently praised for its distinctive choreography, which uses components of ballet woven seamlessly into a contemporary dance vocabulary. The Company has received an extraordinarily positive level of critical acclaim from The New York Times, The New Yorker, Oberon’s Grove and Backstage Magazine for its annual New York Season. Lydia Johnson Dance has performed at the world renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

LJD’s Tenth Anniversary Season performance at SOPAC will include the preview of a dynamic new work, last year’s critically acclaimed Dusk, set to music by Henryk Gorecki, as well as favorites from the repertory such as Dream Sequence set to music sung by Dean Martin, The End of The Movie set to songs by Cake and In Conversation set to Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto.

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Event Details:
Event Name: Lydia Johnson Dance
Event Venue: South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)
Event Street Address: One SOPAC Way
Event City: South Orange, NJ, 07079
Event County: Essex
Event Date: Saturday, June 12th at 8:00PM
Event Admission: $35, $25
Event Phone: 973.313.ARTS
Event Website: http://www.sopacnow.org

Lydia Johnson Dance
10th Anniversary Season Dance Saturday, June 12 at 8pm Tickets: $35, $25 (Students, Seniors, and Dancers)

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Lydia Johnson Dance

Lydia Johnson Dance has been consistently praised for its distinctive choreography, which uses components of ballet woven seamlessly into a contemporary dance vocabulary. The Company has received an extraordinarily positive level of critical acclaim from The New York Times, The New Yorker, Oberon’s Grove and Backstage Magazine for its annual New York Season. Lydia Johnson Dance has performed at the world renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. LJD’s Tenth Anniversary Season performance at SOPAC will include the preview of a dynamic new work, last year’s critically acclaimed Dusk, set to music by Henryk Gorecki, as well as favorites from the repertory such as Dream Sequence set to music sung by Dean Martin, The End of The Movie set to songs by Cake and In Conversation set to Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto.

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Event Details:
Event Name: Lydia Johnson Dance

Event Venue: South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)
Event Street Address: One SOPAC Way
Event City: South Orange, NJ, 07079
Event County: Essex

Event Date: Saturday, June 12th at 8:00PM
Event Admission: $35, $25

- Hide quoted text -
Event Phone: 973.313.ARTS
Event Website: http://www.sopacnow.org

Submit your event to BestofNJ.com and have it published on our Events Calendar for free. We promote and publish a wide range of events, from art shows to concerts and wine tastings.
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Best of New Jersey Features, News and Event Listings

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Here are some of the types of events that we list:

Art Shows
Craft Shows
Art & Craft Fairs
Antique Shows
Car Shows
Flower Shows
Garden Shows
Community Festivals
Carnivals
Benefit Dinners
Wine Tastings
Food & Wine Tastings
Grand Openings
Music Festivals
Holiday Parades
Firework Displays
Fairs
Festivals
Home Shows
Dog Shows
Jazz Festivals
Historic Home Tours
Heritage Day Celebrations
Horse Shows
Lectures
Workshops
Ethnic Festivals
Multicultural Festivals
Special Antique and Art Auctions
Book Sales

Some types of cultural events are published on our site but do not go on the calendar because they make the calendar unreadable, as they happen every day of the month:

Art Gallery Exhibitions
Art Museum Exhibitions
History or Science Museum Exhibitions
Theatrical Performances [ongoing]

For these types of cultural events, we ask that you submit the opening night of the show for inclusion in the events calendar, not the entire run of the show or schedule.

You can promote your event in any of these areas of New Jersey:

North Jersey:

1. Sussex County
2. Passaic County
3. Bergen County
4. Warren County
5. Morris County
6. Essex County
7. Hudson County

Central Jersey

1. Hunterdon County
2. Somerset County
3. Union County
4. Mercer County
5. Middlesex County
6. Monmouth County

South Jersey

1. Salem County
2. Gloucester County
3. Camden County
4. Burlington County
5. Ocean County
6. Cumberland County
7. Atlantic County
8. Cape May County

Paper Mill Playhouse

(Millburn, NJ) Paper Mill Playhouse is proud to announce the 2009-2010 season as we explore five outstanding titles – some premiering on the Paper Mill stage and some returning favorites – all with intergenerational appeal. Each show provides a one-of-a-kind theater experience through innovative creative teams and exciting casts. The season opens in September with a musical that highlights and celebrates America’s frontier, Little House on the Prairie. In November, Paper Mill produces the classic song and dance spectacular On the Town. The winter months bring Lost in Yonkers, a Neil Simon classic to brighten the stage and warm your heart. Spring is twisting and jiving with the 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza Smokey Joe’s Café. The season closes with the internationally acclaimed classic Peter Pan.

Paper Mill Playhouse will produce eight performances a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Student rush tickets are $25 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 35% discount on tickets and should call 973-379-3636 ext. 2438.

Paper Mill Playhouse is pleased to announce that Investors Savings Bank will once again be our season sponsor. Carolyn Ferolito, Co-Chair of Paper Mill’s Board of Trustees adds, “The continued support from Investors Savings Bank allows Paper Mill Playhouse to continue to produce the highest quality productions, arts education programs and outreach initiatives.” Kevin Cummings, President and CEO of Investors Savings Bank re-affirmed the bank’s commitment to Paper Mill Playhouse and the arts in New Jersey. “Our commitment to community involvement and good corporate citizenship is a fundamental part of Investors’ corporate culture. The Playhouse contributes significantly to New Jersey’s cultural resources and provides access to high-quality theater and education programs to adults and children in our state. We are proud to be a part of this.”
Also supporting Paper Mill’s 2009-2010 season are; American Airlines, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and RBC Wealth Management.

In announcing the 2009-2010 season, Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill’s Artistic Director says, “The shows that we have chosen for this season are certain to appeal to many varied facets of our audience. We are opening with Little House on the Prairie, a brand new musical based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder novels and the popular television series starring Melissa Gilbert as ‘Ma’. We follow this immediately with the quintessential musical about New York City, On the Town. With a lush score by Leonard Bernstein and incredible choreography by Patti Columbo (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; Kiss Me, Kate), this show is the perfect piece for the entire family. After the holidays we are bringing Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Lost in Yonkers to our stage, and we will usher in the spring with a celebration of some of the greatest music of the 50s and 60s – Smokey Joe’s Café. With a score full of mega-hits like “On Broadway,” “Hound Dog,” “Yakety Yak” and “Stand By Me” Smokey Joe’s Café is a non-stop rock and roll party. And our final offering of the season invites everyone to be a kid and dream again with our production of Peter Pan. This enchanting musical is a theatrical event which will delight children of all ages, and to make Paper Mill’s production especially unique, we will be conducting a nationwide search for the new ‘Peter Pan’.”

This December Paper Mill Playhouse will once again partner with New Jersey Ballet for the 39th consecutive season of Nutcracker along with the renowned Paper Mill Orchestra. Clara and her valiant Nutcracker Prince return to the stage along with the Sugar Plum Fairy, toy soldiers, and villainous Mouse King. Stunning sets and an enormous Christmas tree light up the Paper Mill stage. Experience the wonder of the Nutcracker as originally envisioned by its creators, with the lush live orchestral score. Nutcracker runs from December 18 through December 27.

Mark W. Jones, Paper Mill’s Executive Director, shares his thoughts on the 2009-2010 season, “Collaboration with other theaters and producers is the essential characteristic of the 2009-2010 season. We will be sharing production costs and our artistic expertise with no less than four other not-for-profit theaters and a group of producers. Our audience expects the highest level of quality at Paper Mill and they will not be disappointed. At the same time, we need to balance our budget. Sharing costs with others in this challenging economy will allow us to achieve both these goals.”

September 10 – October 10
Little House on the Prairie

MUSIC BY RACHEL PORTMAN
BOOK BY RACHEL SHEINKIN
LYRICS BY DONNA DINOVELLI
BASED ON THE BOOK “LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE” BY LAURA INGALLS WILDER
SPONSORED BY RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Restoring our faith in the future by recalling the stories of our past…
Little House on the Prairie has remained one of the most beloved celebrations of early Americana since the appearance of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s popular classic book series 70 years ago. Now the inspirational stories take on a brand new frontier in an uplifting new musical. Melissa Gilbert, who played ‘Laura’ for ten years in the much loved-television series, continues her legacy by starring as ‘Ma’. Families will continue to fall in love with these life-affirming stories about the Ingalls’ struggles and triumphs through the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded – a spirit that resonates within each of us today.

November 11 – December 6
On the Town

MUSIC BY LEONARD BERNSTEIN
BOOK AND LYRICS BY BETTY COMDEN AND ADOLPH GREEN
BASED ON AN IDEA BY JEROME ROBBINS
The fleet is in and New York will never be the same! Leonard Bernstein’s and Jerome Robbins’ dance spectacular, On the Town sails onto the Paper Mill Playhouse stage just in time for the holidays. A musical devoted to celebrating New York City in all its glorious diversity, On the Town is the story of three sailors – Gabey, Chip, and Ozzie who are on a 24-hour leave and searching for romance and boy do they find it! On the Town opened on Broadway in the 1940’s romantic, post-war era and introduced America to such standards as, “New York, New York” and “I Can Cook Too”. “Piping, pumping and altogether transporting music,” as Charles Isherwood of the New York Times described it, On the Town is a “wonderland of pleasure, romance and hot fun.” On the Town, will feature choreography by the nationally-acclaimed and Paper Mill Playhouse favorite, Patti Columbo.

February 17 – March 14
Lost in Yonkers

WRITTEN BY NEIL SIMON
Paper Mill will warm your heart this winter with Neil Simon’s entertaining and thought-provoking classic Lost in Yonkers. Often proclaimed as Neil Simon’s best work, this Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a funny and touching portrayal of acceptance, survival, and family dynamics. Set during World War II, brothers Arty and Jay are sent to live with their frightfully intimidating Grandma and sweet but mentally slow Aunt Bella, punctuated by visits from their “gangster” Uncle Louie. This masterwork is an unsentimental examination of lives in an oppressive household, climaxing with a dramatic confrontation between the bitter mother and lonely daughter. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll think. And, in its honest, unerring portrait of a family, you just might recognize your own experience.

April 7 – May 2
Smokey Joe’s Café

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JERRY LEIBER AND MIKE STOLLER
1950’s America is glorified in this rock ‘n’ roll, pop, rhythm and blues musical. “Love Potion #9,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Spanish Harlem” are featured among nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded that will electrify your emotions. Leiber and Stoller illuminate a golden age of American culture with classic themes of love won, lost and imagined. Smokey Joe’s Café isn’t just great pop music – it’s compelling musical theater.

June 2 – June 27
Peter Pan

LYRICS BY CAROLYN LEIGH
MUSIC BY MARK CHARLAP
ADDITIONAL MUSIC BY JULES STYNE
ADDITIONAL LYRICS BY BETTY COMDEN AND ADOLPH GREEN
BASED ON THE PLAY BY JAMES M. BARRIE
“You Can Fly” to magical Neverland at Paper Mill Playhouse for this swashbuckling epic that delivers non-stop action, spellbinding music and stunning choreography. Join Peter Pan and the lost boys as they battle the despicable Captain Hook and his diabolical pirates aboard the Jolly Roger with a little help from Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell. Don’t miss Peter Pan, the smash-hit musical adaptation of James Barrie’s ageless classic that has played to packed houses internationally. You do believe in fairies, don’t you?

ENHANCE YOUR THEATER EXPERIENCE WITH:

A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT ANY PAPER MILL PRODUCTION
Paper Mill Playhouse offers audience enrichment activities that bring the production off the stage into the lap of our patrons. Speak intimately with casts, directors and Paper Mill’s artistic staff prior to or directly following the performances as we reveal the creative process.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES & COFFEE SERIES • FREE!
Wednesdays prior to curtain at 6:30pm in the Art Gallery on the following dates:
. September 16 . November 11 . February 17 . April 7 . June 2
Patrons gain insight into each performance from our directors’ points of view and enjoy coffee on us.

CONVERSATION SERIES • FREE!
Every Thursday prior to curtain at 6:30pm in the Theater Mezzanine
Hosted by our Education Department, patrons enjoy an informal and informative gathering to learn more about the performance. Audience members may even see preparations on Paper Mill’s stage for that evening’s performance.

CAST TALKBACK SERIES • FREE!
Directly following the Saturday matinee in the Theater on the following dates:
. September 19 . November 14 . February 20 . April 10 . June 5
The audience asks the questions! Patrons learn all they want to know about how our casts prepare for their roles, their rehearsal process, and more.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country’s leading regional theatres. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is provided by generous contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

Photo at top: Paper Mill Playhouse Interior, Photo courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse

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New Jersey Flower Show

(National Park, NJ) – Gloucester County will hold Heritage Day this Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 12 noon until 4 pm at the James and Ann Whitall House Gloucester County’s Red Bank Battlefield Park, 100 Hessian Avenue, National Park.

This month feature is the Annual Flower Show. This year’s theme is Bountiful Blooms and Old Lace.

The Flower Show is open to all non-professionals in two divisions: Horticulture and Artistic. Horticulture will be exhibited in an outdoor tent. Artistic division is a placement show inside the historic James and Ann Whitall House, with classes for windowsills, wreaths and miniatures, among others. Professional judges will award ribbons to winners in each class, plus a Best in Show.

This year guests can visit the interactive exhibit about bobbin lace, tatting, crochet and other fibre arts. Lace maker Becky Ledebohm will explain the beautiful and intricate crafts using original examples of various lace styles. There will be displays of vintage lace and tools and visitors can try their hand at bobbin lace.

Open with hearth cooking and battlefield tours take place at the Whitall House and Heritage Days, which are held every 3rd Sunday of each month through October (except for June when the Annual Flower show is held on the 4th Sunday).

Heritage Days are free of charge and are a service of the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For more information or to view upcoming events visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov and click on the Calendar of Events, or call 856-853-5120.
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Farmers Market Fresh Vegetables Collage by BNJ

For this week’s Collingswood Farmers Market Report for Saturday, June 27, 2009, this is the report of what to expect this week.

What’s in season?

We cruised the tables last week and this is some of the local produce that we saw being offered from some of our local farms:

• blueberries
• black and red raspberries
• cherries
• string beans
• yellow squash
• zucchini
• new potatoes
• scallions
• turnips
• cukes
• pickling kirbys
• tomatoes (still Jersey hothouse)
• cabbage
• broccoli
• 3 kinds of cauliflower (white, yellow, and purple)
• onions
• 4 kinds of mushrooms
• peas
• lettuces
• herbs
• chards
• beets
• and more…

A full range of beef items and lots of sausages are IN at Hillacres Pride this week.

Great Harvest says Pineapple Zucchini Bread is IN, and Chocolate Zucchini Bread enjoys an almost cult-like following. Both contain whole wheat and, of course, Jersey zukes.

DiBartolo Bakery wants to let you know they fill Cannolis to order at their Market table.

“Sunflowers should be here this Saturday,” says Beth of Dolinski Flower Farm. “Perhaps daisies, too.”

Other things to expect this week:

• Hillsacre Cheese Sales benefit a local family
• Cooking Demo: Pop Shop presents co-owner Stink Fisher
• Live Music: Birdie Busch, a Collingswood-raised WXPN-featured artist
• Weather Outlook: Clear skies with temperatures in the 70’s to 80’s

The Collingswood Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 AM to Noon [regardless of the weather] from May through Thanksgiving in downtown Collingswood between Collings and Irvin Avenues, along the PATCO Commuter Train tracks. Collingswood is located in Camden County in South Jersey.

For more information on the market and for some great recipes, check out the market website here.

(July 1, 2009) We are continuing to update our NJ fireworks feature for the 4th of July of 2009 and we’ll continue to add more events to the list as we discover them. You can help us write this story by telling us about your town’s display or your favorite in your neck of the woods. Just leave us a comment below and we’ll add your town’s celebration to our list.

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Fireworks Photo . Princeton . Creative Commons Photograph by Peter Roome

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North Jersey July 4th Fireworks

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Florham Park 4th of July Celebration, Saturday, July 4, 2009

Florham Park has been throwing  a party for the 4th of July for 52 years and it seems that they didn’t let the economy slow them down this year. Here’s their extensive schedule of events for the day:

Schedule
9:00 AM Flag Raising Ceremony at Firehouse #1 on Brooklake Road
9:30 AM Parade begins (Rain or Shine) at Ridgedale Ave. and Brooklake Road Road
10:30–3:00 PM Family Picnic at the Borough Hall Lawn—Featuring…

• Kiddie Rides and Games
• Monster Wave Slide Mega Obstacle Course Fairytale Castle Combo
• Bungee Run Sea of Balls Trailer Hay Ride
• Sports Radar Cage 3-1-1 Sports Combo
• Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
• Visit the St. Barnabas “Fire Safety House”
• And the July 4th Celebration Day Continued…

11:45 AM Presentation of Parade Trophies by Mayor Eveland
12 PM–3:00 PM Social Garden (must be over 21 to enter, mug purchase (required to enter).

• $6.00 mug purchase required to enter.
• Music provided by the Mariachi Band

9:00 PM Fireworks begin. Refreshments Available.

Refreshments

• Hamburgers 3 Tickets
• Hot Dogs 2 Tickets
• Soda/ Water 1 Ticket
• Beer 3 Tickets and the purchaser must be 21 years or older. Read rules at the Social Garden.
• Pizza, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream & Italian Ice are available as cash sales only.

The rain date for the Florham Park Fireworks is Sunday, July 5, 2009. [Florham Park-Morris County-North Jersey]

For more information on Florham Park’s Fourth see their website. It is one of the best 4th of July websites in the whole state of New Jersey. It is full of information and it includes a great collection of photos. See this great New Jersey community website here.

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Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, New York City with great viewing along the Hudson River in Weehawken and Hoboken, July 4, 2009

The biggest fireworks show in America has moved a little closer to New Jersey this year. That makes the New Jersey communities of Weehawken and Hoboken very happy indeed. They will both be great spots to view Macy’s 4th of July fireworks spectacular.

The staging area for the fireworks is directly across from Weehawken and in front of the Intrepid. The entire show is staged on barges that will be anchored from 24th Street to 50th Street in Manhattan. To get more information, see our Fireworks Press Release from Macy’s Here.
 

[Hoboken and Weehawken-Hudson County-North Jersey]

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Hasbrouck Heights Independence Celebration Fireworks Display, Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Hasbrouck Heights Lions Club presents the 25th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Display on Thursday, July 2, 2009. Festivities begin at 8pm at Gary Depken Athletic Stadium (Rt. 17 & Franklin Ave, Hasbrouck Heights.) Presale tickets are available for $3 at several local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at the Gate for $5 and children under 5 are free. Tickets and gate fees pay for this event. Enjoy inflatable rides for children, a dunk tank, 50/50 raffles and entertainment provided by a professional disc jockey. Attendees may bring blankets to sit on, but no chairs are allowed inside the stadium.

[Hasbrouck Heights-Bergen County-North Jersey]

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Mountain Lakes 4th of July Fireworks Display, Saturday, July 4, 2009

The fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m. over Mountain Lake. The rain date for the fireworks is Sunday, July 5th. Today, June 21, 2009 the town had raised just about 1/4 of the cost of the fireworks through individual donations. [Mountain Lakes-Morris County-North Jersey]

Get more information on Mountain Lakes New Jersey here.

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Parsippany July 4th Fireworks, Saturday, July 4, 2009

The Parsippany fireworks will take place at dusk on Saturday, July 4, at Parsippany Hills High School. Rain date is Sunday, July 5. [Parsippany-Morris County-North Jersey]

Get more information on Parsippany New Jersey here.

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Paterson Independence Day Celebration, Friday, July 3, 2009:

Paterson will celebrate Independence Day and the birthday of the city of Paterson on Friday, July 3, 2009. The fireworks will be staged at approximately 9:00 PM at Garret Mountain overlooking the city. The display is sponsored by the businesses and merchants of downtown Paterson.

Get more info from the Downtown Paterson SID @ 973-881-7300.

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Dover New Jersey Concert and Fireworks, Friday, July 3, 2009:

*** Update [July, 1, 2009] ***

Thanks to one of our BNJ readers, we were alerted to the a news item on the Dover Township website that the 2009 fireworks have not been canceled. Here is the latest news:

Dover will celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display and a concert sponsored by Casio and the town of Dover. The festivities will take place on Friday, July 3, 2009 at Hamilton Field on the East Dover School campus. The concert will begin at 6:00 PM with music played by Tropical Storm. Refreshments will be supplied by Youth Sport Groups. Advance tickets are $2.00 each and $3.00 each at the gate. All proceeds will go towards paying for the fireworks next year. The display is staged by Schaefer Pyrotechnics of Ronks Pennsylvania. The rain date for the fireworks is Friday, July 10, 2009.

For more information on Dover’s Fireworks see the Town of Dover Website

*** Update [June, 21, 2009] ***

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In doing some further research on this year’s fireworks displays across the state I discovered that Dover has removed any mention of fireworks from the town website. I think that is a pretty good sign that they have canceled the celebration. If I am wrong, you can let me know. With many New Jersey towns and boroughs having trouble balancing their budgets, there is a long list of July 4th Non Events this year. See a list compiled by NBCNewYork here.

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The town has not updated their information yet. Last year, the fireworks were held on Thursday, July 3, 2008. Refreshments and a concert accompanied the celebration last year. [Dover-Morris County-North Jersey]

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Randolph New Jersey Freedom Festival: Thursday, July 2, Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2009

Randolph holds one of New Jersey’s biggest celebrations of the 4th. The festivities go on for three whole days. This year they begin on Thursday and continues through Saturday with the grand finale being the fireworks on Saturday night. [Randolph-Morris County-North Jersey]

Thursday, July 2:

Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. Visitors can ride all the rides as many times as they want for $20.00. The fair is open from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.

Friday, July 3:

Parade Day,The parade starts at Dover-Chester Road and Randolph Avenue at the Mt. Fern Church and ends at the County College of Morris [CCM]. The parade includes bands, pipe and drum cores, floats, local dignitaries, antique cars and riders on horseback.

Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. The carnival and fair is open from 2:00 to 11:00 PM.

Saturday, July 4:

Freedom Fair is a carnival that features rides, games, crafts and food. The carnival and fair is open from 2:00 to 11:00 PM. This is the last day of the fair.

The Freedom Festival Fireworks Display begins at 9:45 and the promoters call it the best show in Morris County [and it does have quite a few competitors for that title] The event features paid parking which helps defer the cost of the fireworks. Parking is plentiful and inexpensive. The cost is $5.00 per car and the first 500 visitors will receive an eco-friendly shopping bag. [limit 1 per car] The rain date for the Randolph fireworks display is Sunday, July 5, 2009.

To find out more about the celebration in Randolph and about the community go here.

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Washington Township Fireworks Festival: Saturday, June 27, 2009

The Washington Township Community Events Organization or the WTCEO will present a Fireworks Festival on Saturday, June 27th at the Long Valley Middle School from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The festival features live music, clowns, food and beer.

Music will be provided by the School of Rock performing at 5:00 and Scott Monetti and the Waffle Band at 7:30. Children can enjoy bounce houses, Fantastic Faces, Sprinkles the Clown and Gonzo. Food will be provided by local restaurants like Valley Restaurant and Long Valley Pizza Deli and Bagels. The Washington Township Fire Department will also be on hand to serve food and beer in the beer garden.

Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rain date is Sunday, June 28. Get more information on the event here. [Washington Township-Morris County-North Jersey]

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Central Jersey July 4th Fireworks

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Red Bank: Friday, July 3, 2009

KaBoom! Fireworks on the Navesink is one of the best organized public displays in the state. The promoters offer reserved parking with front row seats along the river in Marine Park [tickets on sale soon - priced not available] and an exclusive gourmet dinner and show package. The display staged by Garden State Fireworks of Millington features over 10,000 shells and draws more than 50,000 people to downtown Red Bank. [Red Bank-Monmouth County-Central Jersey]

More information @ Red Bank New Jersey Kaboom Fireworks Site

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Long Branch: Oceanfest, Saturday, July 4, 2009

This annual Fourth of July tradition is a free, family oriented festival, which attracts both local residents and visitors from throughout the region. The event takes place along a half mile stretch of the oceanfront promenade between Seven Presidents Park and the Ocean Place Resort and Spa. Activities will include master sand sculpting exhibits on the beach, strolling entertainers, live music of every imaginable type, food vendors, craft vendors and lots of activities for children. The fun-filled daytime activities offer a great prelude to a spectacular fireworks display. [Long Branch-Monmouth County-Central Jersey]

More information @ Long Branch New Jersey Oceanfest Site

Frenchtown New Jersey & Erwinna Pennsylvania, Saturday, July 4:

This is NOT a New Jersey staged display but it’s a five minute drive over the state line, the music is provided by a New Jersey Symphony and you can watch the display along the banks of the Delaware River in New Jersey. This fireworks extravaganza staged in Tinicum Park in Bucks County Pennsylvania’s is one of my regions most popular events and it is almost always sold out as far as I know. There are only 5,000 tickets available. Light classical, popular and patriotic music is provided by The Riverside Symphonia of Lambertville. [Frenchtown-Milford-Hunterdon County-Central Jersey]

More information @ Concert Under the Stars: Fireworks and Music on the Delaware River

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Princeton New Jersey Fireworks, Spirit of Princeton, Thursday, July 2, 2009:

Run by the nonprofit group, the Spirit of Princeton, these fireworks are always held on July 2 at the Princeton University sports fields, next to the Stadium. See the photo taken by Lakewentworth below. [Princeton-Mercer County-Central Jersey]

Spirit of Princeton Fireworks

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Monroe Township 4th of July Celebration, July 4 ,2009:

The celebration begins at 5:00 and the fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk. [Monroe Township, Middlesex County, Central Jersey]

More information on the Monroe Township of Middlesex County website

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South Jersey July 4th Fireworks

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Cape May New Jersey, Independence Day Celebrations and Fireworks @ Congress Hall, Saturday, July 4:

The Cape has a full day of activities to keep you going starting with a pancake breakfast starting at 7:00 in the morning sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club and ending with an all American picnic and fireworks display staged at the historic Congress Hall Hotel at the beach. The hotel sponsors the fireworks and offers an American Picnic or a Lobster Boil/Bake Menu with live music. [Cape May-Cape May County-South Jersey]

More information @ Congress Hall Fireworks or see the Cape May Times page for a better overall view of the July 4th celebrations here.

Cherry Hill New Jersey July 4th Music & Fireworks:  Saturday, July 4, 2009

Cherry Hill sponsors a community festival annually to celebrate our country’s independence with live music, hot dogs, ice cream and fireworks of course. The festivities are held quite appropriately at the stadium at Cherry Hill High School.[Cherry Hill-Camden County-South Jersey]

*** Update [June, 21, 2009] *** =============================

Cherry Hill is going ahead with their fireworks display for 2009! Here is the updated information from the town website:

Each day Americans enjoy many liberties. We celebrate our freedom and independence on July 4 and must remember that our country was founded to preserve liberty.

Our Township together with TD Bank, will celebrate liberty and honor our country with our free Fourth of July observance at the Michael J Santarpio, Jr Memorial Field at Jonas Morris Stadium, Cherry Hill High School West, Chapel Avenue, Saturday, July 4 (rain date July 5). Gates open at 7 pm and the program begins at 8 pm followed by fireworks at 9 pm.

This is a wonderful patriotic evening for the whole family to enjoy. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fabulous performance and a brilliant fireworks display. Our musical entertainment this year feature Bizarre Silence.

This event is also supported by Cherry Hill Mall and Comcast Cable.

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 856.488.7868

Get more information on the festivities in Cherry Hill on the Township news page.

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Medford Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks: Friday, July 3, 2009:

Medford’s celebration is sponsored by the township council. It is held at Freedom Park and it features kids activities, live music and refreshments. [Medford-Burlington County-South Jersey]

Find more information on the fireworks and the festivities on Medfordnj.com.

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Collingswood Fun on the Fourth: Saturday, July 4, 2009

Collingswood has a wide array of events scheduled for the 4th including: a bike parade in Knight Park, a patriotic decorating contest, water games at Roberts Pool, and a fireworks display accompanied by the town’s own Collingswood Pops![Collingswood-Camden County-South Jersey]

Find more information on the celebration of the Red, White and Blue in Collingswood New Jersey here.

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Atlantic City July 4th Fireworks

The largest fireworks display south of New York City will be staged in Atlantic City on Saturday, July 4, 2009. The fireworks will light up the night above the Marina District. The pyrotechnic extravaganza is a joint venture sponsored by Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The show is staged by Fireworks by Grucci of New York, the “First Family of Fireworks”.

The show can be viewed from Harrah’s or the Borgata for free. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM. The fireworks are choreographed to music, supplied by radio station 95.1 WAYV FM.

For more information, see the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Bureau site.

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Long Beach Island  July 4th Fireworks

Beach Haven Fireworks

Beach Haven will stage their fireworks on Saturday, July 4, 2009 @ 9:00 or 9:15 PM [two different times are noted in two different places on the Beach Haven website] at Taylor Avenue and the Bayfront. The fireworks display is sponsored by the Red, White & Blue Committee.

Fine more information on the community @ the Beach Haven Website

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The amazing photograph for this feature is by Flickr member Lakewentworth aka Peter Roome. It was published under a Creative Commons License. Below you can see some more of his work, or you can see much more of his work on his website that I just found: RoomePhotography.com.

More New Jersey Fireworks Images:

Fireworks in Princeton a photo by Lakewentworth

Fireworks in Princeton a photo by Lakewentworth 2

NJ Slow Food & Wine Festival

The East Coast Food & Wine Event was founded by a small group of partners dedicated to growing and producing premium food and wine. Our success will be measured by an uncompromised commitment to the long-term stewardship of the land. Our food and wine reflect the essence of the East Coast where they grow and the people who craft them in small lots rather than corporate quantities.

Collectively we farm over 1,200 acres of fertile New Jersey farmland, most of which has been permanently preserved for future generations to come. We are united by an intensive program of low impact, sustainable agriculture in order to preserve the long-term health of the soil and environment. Our passion has become our shared sense of purpose to craft food and wines that stand among the best.

Come celebrate the wines, cuisine, music and lifestyle of the East Coast. Here’s a comprehensive schedule of the events for Saturday and Sunday, June 27, 28 , 2009.

Saturday:

• 12:30: Wine Tent
  John Altmaier, Winemaker, Alba Vineyard
• 12:30: Food Tent
  Wegman’s Chef’s Catch of the Day, Seafood Cooking demo
• 1:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 1:15: Wine Tent
  Darren Hesington, Winemaker, Cape May Winery
• 1:15: Food Tent
  Kerry Dunnington, cooking demo
• 2:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 2:00: Wine Tent
  Maureen Petrosky, The Wine Club
• 2:00: Food Tent
  Melissa Hamilton & Christopher Hirsheimer, Canal House Cook Book
• 3:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 3:30: Wine Tent
  Cameron Stark, Winemaker, Unionville Vineyards
• 2:45: Food Tent
  Michael Colameco, TV chef
• 4:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 4:15: Food Tent
  Slow Food Presentation

Sunday:

• 12:30: Wine Tent
  Gary Pavlis, 30 Minute Wine Expert
• 12:30: Food Tent
  Wegman’s Chef’s Catch of the Day, Seafood Cooking demo
• 1:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 1:15: Wine Tent
  John Altmaier, Winemaker, Alba Vineyard
• 1:15: Food Tent
  Peter Genovese, Food Lovers Guide To New Jersey
• 2:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 2:00: Wine Tent
  George Taber, Judgment in Paris
• 2:00: Food Tent
  Cheese making demo
• 2:45: Wine Tent
  Darren Hesington, Winemaker, Cape May Winery
• 2:45: Food Tent
  Producing honey/bee keeping
• 3:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 3:30: Wine Tent
  Kristin Perry, The Kitchen Potager, Darlene Kaminsky, Chestnut Hill Farm Gourmet Foods, Preserves
• 3:30: Food Tent
  Mikey Azzara
• 4:00: Winery
  Hopewell Valley Vineyard Winery Tour
• 4:15: Food Tent
  Dave Burlew, Organic Farming

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The festival is being hosted at Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, New Jersey in Mercer County in Central Jersey. For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, go to SlowFoodandWineFestival.com.