Fourth of July Party Invites All of Somerset County

Each week, Patch brings you an idea of something to do to enjoy some free time for yourself, or with friends and family. Here is this week's choice:

Do you know you're invited to a July 4 party where you don't have to do any preparation or clean-up, and admission is free. Residents of all ages from across Somerset County are invited to celebrate the Fourth of July at Somerset County’s biggest party, the 43rd Annual Independence Day Family Festival.

The Festival begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, at North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater. Admission is free. 

Many residents from this area head down to North Branch Park to enjoy the entertainment, lots to eat and what is billed as Central New Jersey’s largest fireworks display. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. 

The evening of Americana will include a variety of performers, a reenactment of a Revolutionary War encampment by the Third New Jersey Regiment Revolutionary Encampment, children’s games and activities and plenty of food for purchase before the display of fireworks.

Stage performances will provide a range of American music styles for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. 

The band Verdict will kick off the Independence Day live stage performance at 6:30 p.m. with a blend of classic reggae, calypso, soca, and funk island music.

Then it will be time to recapture the days of "Boogie Fever" and to do "The Hustle" to all of the top disco hits of the 70's when headliners Dancin’ Machine hit the stage at 8:30 P.M. With a great brass section and cool vocals, Dancin’ Machine will keep the party rocking! 

In case of inclement weather, the fireworks only will be presented on July 5 or the first clear evening at 9:30 p.m.

Due to the flooding from the recent rains, all parking has been moved to Raritan Valley Community College, Route 28 and Lamington Road in Branchburg, New Jersey. Free parking will be available in Lots 1 and 2. There will be no parking on site at North Branch Park.

For further information call the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-722-1200, ext. 221 or the concert/activity hotline at extension 2. Individuals with a hearing or speech impairment may call the NJ Relay service at 711.

Corporate sponsorship is provided by Courier News/mycentraljersey.com.

Information on this and all other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found online on the parks commission website.