Charter Day Festivities Plans Moving Along

Charter Day will have extra special significance this year as it marks the 250th Anniversary since King George II of England granted a charter establishing Bernardston Township (named for then Governor of Jersey, Sir Francis Bernard). The day-long festive event will be one of the highlights of the year-long celebration for the 250th Anniversary.

Charter Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 15th and will take place in downtown Basking Ridge with a street fair, food vendors and live entertainment. With less than three months to go, the Charter Day Planning Committee met on Friday, February 19th to update each other on the numerous details that will make Charter Day a reality.

Vendor Registration

Jennifer Gander, Committee Coordinator, expects to have 130 vendors setting up booths on S. Finley and the associated cross streets. Vendor registration is underway and on a "first come, first serve" basis. Initial registration is reserved for Bernards Township residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Registration for nonresident entities will open on March 15. Booth location will largely depend on what kind of vendors are exhibiting. Interested parties can request an application package by calling the Department of Parks & Recreation at 908-204-3003.

Entertainment

With over 10,000 people attending, Entertainment Coordinator Jaye Barre is putting together an entertainment line-up that will appeal to all age groups. Preliminary plans include Opening Ceremonies with dignitaries followed by a mix of local school musical reviews, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, bagpipes, a jazzband, open mic and a battle of the bands. "We try to provide a variety of entertainment during the day," explained Ms. Barre. There will also be strolling entertainment and evening activities.

Art Show

For more serene entertainment, Charter Day attendees will be able to view artwork created by local students ages Kindergarten through 12th grade. In keeping with the 250th theme, the Committee is hoping that some of the artwork will be town-based, depicting local sites and events. Community Services Director Larry Millus volunteered that he is having new display boards made for showcasing the art. These will then be available for future community events. The Art Show will be held in Westminster Hall.

Miscellaneous

A historical guided tour though the graveyard, a mural created by Oak Street Elementary school, rides for the kids, and historical and commemorative displays; these are just a few of the other plans for the big celebration. There are plenty of details to work out - everything from where the vendors can park to where the fire engines will be stationed and organizing the clean up after the festivities conclude. Officer Hank Werner, representing the police department, was on top of all of that as well.