Bernards Township’s 265th ​Annual Charter Day Celebration Is Saturday

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township’s 265th Annual Charter Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 6 p.m. in Downtown Basking Ridge.

Charter Day features a street fair, entertainment, art and history displays, food, and amusements. Coordinated by the Department of Parks & Recreation, this is the department's 29th annual celebration which draws thousands of visitors to Downtown Basking Ridge.

The street fair begins at noon and features local businesses, non-profit organizations, school groups, service organizations, and crafters.

"We are proud to be a community-focused event with the majority of our street fair vendors being Bernards Township-based businesses and organizations. We have quite a variety of vendors with many new groups participating this year," said Director of Parks & Recreation Jennifer Gander.

There will be plenty to eat as well, with more food vendors serving fair foods: hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, sausage sandwiches, fried ravioli, shish kabob, gyros, funnel cakes, pizza, ice cream, lemonade, and more.

Food vendors are located near the main stage with plenty of tables to sit and eat while enjoying the entertainment. A few other food vendors can also be found throughout the street fair and on the Oak Street School field with the amusements.

View the event map and schedules at www.bernards.org or visit the Charter Day booth near the intersection of Henry Street and Finely Avenue to pick one up at the event.

The Parks & Recreation booth will feature information on membership at the Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course and Pleasant Valley Pool, and information on their summer recreation programs and special events.

The department is also collecting votes for the movies residents would like to see under the stars this summer.

Other Bernards Township municipal committees and departments are also participating, including: the Township Committee, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Environmental Commission, Fire Prevention, Friends of the Library, Health Department & Municipal Alliance, Police Department and Shade Tree Commission.

The Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 and EMS will have cotton candy for sale, and both BRFCo and the Liberty Corner Fire Company will have vehicles on display.

Entertainment on the main stage will begin with their official Opening Ceremonies at noon. Located at the intersection of Finley Avenue and Oak Street, the Main Stage features performances and demonstrations by students and local groups all day.

Returning this year are performances by Tree House, Gotta Dance, The Pettets, AYLUS, Jamestown Duo, the Aardvark Magic Show, and The PB & J Band. Some new groups will also be joining this year, including Valentina, Embrace Dance Company, Dual Voltage, and Studio 140 Dance from the SHYMCA. For more information on our scheduled entertainers, visit bernards.org/resident/charter-day.

Westminster Hall, at the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, will once again feature the Student Art Show and Photography Competition exhibit. The hall will be open with art on display from local students.

The Brick Academy, located just off the town green, will also be open for visitors. Stop by to see the Historical Society exhibits, including the mock schoolhouse on the top floor. Gifts and keepsakes will be available for sale.

Rides, inflatable amusements, and carnival games will entertain children of all ages are located on the Oak Street School field. Strolling entertainers can be found all throughout the event.

Parking is available at Ridge High School, at 268 South Finley Ave. and the Bernards Township Municipal Building at 1 Collyer Lane.

A free shuttle bus will make frequent stops throughout the day to bring passengers downtown to the fair. Those needing wheelchair accommodations are asked to park at the Municipal Building, where a wheelchair accessible shuttle bus will be available.

This event is rain or shine and will be held as long they we can keep staff, volunteers and participants safe. If necessary, schedule updates will be posted at www.bernards.org.