Fireworks, Campground Ceremony Thursday in Bridgewater

By Mike Deak

In the 21st century, Bridgewater is often considered the crossroads of New Jersey because of its central location and its proximity to some of the state’s major roadways.

Like every year since 1888, in a ceremony conducted by the Washington Campground Association, the Declaration of Independence will be read in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Washington Camp Ground, preserved as a National Historic site off Vosseller Avenue.

The Continental Army was camped near the Middle Brook between the two ridges of the Watchungs north of Bound Brook and south of Martinsville, a position that offered safety and overlooked the plains of the Raritan River toward New Brunswick where British troops were stationed.

The site also holds a special place in American history because tradition says that it was at the Mk encampment that the first official flag of the United States was unfurled. That is why, by a special act of Congress, the American flag is allowed to be flown there 24 hours.

But a noisier July 4th celebration is planned later Thursday when the Somerset County Park Commission will hold its the 43rd Annual Independence Day Family Festival at North Branch Park on Milltown Road. Admission is free.

Thousands attend what is the county’s biggest summer event with fireworks scheduled to be launched at 9:30 p.m. Rain date is Friday.

The festival will include a variety of performers, a re-enactment of a Revolutionary War encampment by the Third New Jersey Regiment Revolutionary Encampment, children’s games and activities and plenty of food.

Headlining the entertainment at 6:30 p.m. will be Verdict with a blend of classic reggae, calypso, soca, and funk island music. Then at 8:30 p.m. will be Dancin’ Machine who will present the top Disco hits of the 70s.

For more information call the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-722-1200, Ext. 221 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.