The largest fireworks display in New Jersey is in Red Bank on July 3. KaBoomFest! is a 3-day festival that includes KaBoom! Rock the River concert on July 2 and KaBoom! Fireworks on the Navesink on July 3. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to take part in the 52-year old tradition of fireworks on the Navesink River. New this year, Wells Fargo has joined KaBoomFest! as its Presenting Sponsor donating $45,000 to support the festivities. The schedule of events for July 4 weekend are:
KaBoom Amusements – Friday, July 1st thru Sunday, 3rd
Three days of All-American Amusements, including fun rides, games of chance, and carnival food that will appeal to kids of all ages
Rock the River Concert on Saturday Evening, July 2nd
This concert should be an extraordinary event. Headlining the event is "human Wheels", a John Mellancamp tribute band, sponsored by Q104.3 FM and hosted by Ken Dashow.
Kid KaBoom – Sunday Afternoon, July 3rd – 3:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by The Community YMCA, a fun afternoon of games, races, and crafts. Live Music will be performed by: The Rock n’ Music Academy, the Micro Machines and Little Rockers.
52nd Annual Fireworks on the Navesink – Sun Evening, July 3rd.
The festival climaxes with a sky-filling, world-class fireworks display by Jersey’s own Garden State Fireworks, choreographed to a selection of popular and patriotic songs.
From 7 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, those visitors who wish to have a front row seat and dine in a luxurious, picturesque setting while watching the fireworks display, the hottest spot in town is the Salt Creek Grille nestled on the Navesink River.
“It’s like having your own private fireworks party,” said Salt Creek Grille’s Regional Partner, Steve Bidgood. “The view is amazing and the best part is we provide everything you need from drinks to dessert including coveted guaranteed valet parking spaces!”
Enjoy the fireworks display from the restaurant’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Navesink River, or from the popular, landmark restaurant’s private lawn and dock. Tickets are all inclusive, which includes precious parking, three-hour open bar; Affair 2 Remember live DJ music, family-style barbecue with starters and dessert, and KaBoom Fireworks with simulcast music. All-inclusive tickets for adults 21 and over are $100; tickets for young family members 12-20 are $75; and tickets for children 3-11are $50. To make your reservations call Salt Creek Grille at 732.933.9272. Reservations are non-refundable.
For more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday weekend, here are highlights of other July 4 festivities and fireworks around the state.
Bridgewater’s Fourth of July Family Festival – A free annual event offering entertainment, activities, and attractions. Musical performances feature Verdict and Total Soul.
Cape May’s Independence Day Celebration – July 2 at 1 p.m. is the Independence Day Parade. Enjoy a vintage baseball game played by 1873 rules on Saturday the 3rd at noon, featuring the Flemington Neshanock vs. Elkton Eclipse. Sunday afternoon there is a concert by the Cape Community Band plus family activities and patriotic programs. July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza is at 9 p.m., Congress Hall.
Cranford’s Fourth of July Celebration – July 4, 2011 brings the 32nd annual Investors Savings Bank and the Cranford Jaycees Firecracker Four Mile Run at 9:30 a.m. A variety of family oriented events mark the day including: canoe races, a bike decorating contest, egg toss, the Firecracker Fun Run sponsored by the Cranford Jaycees, and concluding with a fireworks display in Nomahegan Park.
Florham Park’s July 4th Celebration honoring our Vietnam Veterans begins with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Parade at 9 a.m., followed by kids’ games, pony rides, hay rides, a family picnic, music by the Mexican Mariachi Band and DJ Scott and a Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $1.00.
Freehold — Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks on Sunday July 3 at Freehold Raceway. Concert features The Rock & Roll Chorus with songs of Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, John Mellancamp, Steely Dan & more. This family-friendly event attracts over 20,000 viewers, featuring vendors and food in a community picnic-like setting.
Haddonfield’s Independence Day tradition is complete with an old fashioned parade on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. FIREWORKS will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011, on the high school field at 9:30 p.m. Gates will open at 7 pm. Entertainment by The Shore Thing begins at 7:30 p.m. No charge for admission. Rain Date for the Fireworks only is Saturday July 9, 2011. Evening program is the same.
Long Branch’s Oceanfest Independence Day Celebration – July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Promenade – In its 21st year, at this celebration visitors can stroll the famous beachfront boards, enjoy performances by dancers, musicians, clowns and carnival acts, see sand sculpture demonstrations, sample from a smorgasbord of food vendors, buy the wares of crafters from all over the northeast and end the festive day with a spectacular oceanfront fireworks display.
Paramus – 4th of July Celebration - Saturday July, 2nd 8:15 p.m., the Fire Department will play the Police Department in their annual Softball Game at the Cliff Gennerelli Sports Complex.