Bernards Township’s 20th Annual Charter Day Celebration

Celebrate Bernards Township’s 254th Anniversary on May 17th at Charter Day, featuring a street fair, entertainment, art and history displays, food and amusements.  Coordinated by the Department of Parks & Recreation, this year marks the 20th annual event which draws about 10,000 visitors.

The street fair begins at 11AM and features local businesses, non-profit organizations, school groups, service organizations, and crafters.  We are proud to be a community focused event with nearly 85% of our street fair vendors being Bernards Township based businesses and organizations.  And there will be plenty to eat all day long with food vendors open from 11am until 10pm near the main stage including many of your favorite fair foods:  hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, sausage sandwiches, funnel cakes, homemade fudge, smoothies, Italian ice and more!  You will also find more food vendors located throughout the street fair and Oak Street School field along with the amusements.

Visit the Charter Day booth for event maps and schedules and Parks & Recreation summer program and event information.  The Bernards Township Library, Police Department and Health Department will also have information to share as well as the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission.  And be sure to support your volunteer fire and first aid squads!  The Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner Fire Companies and First Aid squads will have vehicles on display.  The Basking Ridge Fire Company and First Aid Squad will be selling cotton candy during the street fair and glow novelties during the evening concert. 

Entertainment begins at noon with our Opening Ceremonies on the Main Stage and continues all day and into the evening.  Located at the intersection of Finley Ave and Oak Street, the Main Stage features musical theater performances by students and local groups, pipe bands, choirs, dance troupes and demonstrations.  New this year is a performance by The Whitehouse Wind Symphony.  The Whitehouse Wind Symphony is comprised of approximately 50 amateur and professional musicians who perform together regularly to enthusiastic audiences throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. The Symphony is dedicated to presenting the best in wind band literature.  Our evening concert at 7PM features Funktion 11.  Influenced by a variety of musical genres, combined with the band members unique musical backgrounds, F11 has created a sound of their own. Their shows wow crowds with hot grooves, choreography, distinct horn lines, and original material as well as unique arrangements of some of their favorite covers. Combining the members writing/arranging and composing style it opens up for a "You never know what you'll get." element that promises nothing less than beauty, funk and raw soul. It will keep you dancing in the street until 10PM!

The Battle of the Bands on the Henry Street Stage, at Oak Street School, will feature 9 bands comprised of middle school and high school students.  With event support by Wavelength Studios, the Battle begins at 12:30pm and concludes with the awards presentation at 6PM.  Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

Westminster Hall, at the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, will once again feature our Student Art Show and Photography Competition exhibit.  The hall will be open from 11AM – 5PM to view the art on display from our local students.  The Parks & Recreation Departments 4th annual Photography Competition entries will also be on display.  The Brick Academy, located just off the town green, will be open from 11am-5pm. Stop by to see our historical exhibits including the new 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 on the Oak Street School field from 11AM – 6PM.  Strolling entertainers can be found all throughout the event. 

Parking is available at Ridge High School located at 268 South Finley Ave and the Bernards Township Municipal Building located at 1 Collyer Lane.  A free shuttle bus will make frequent stops throughout the day to bring passengers downtown to the fair.