From parades to concerts to celebrations, South Jersey is home to a variety of rich neighborhood traditions on the Fourth of July. Here are the details for this upcoming Independence Day weekend.
By Abby Schreiber and Matt Skoufalos
Every Fourth of July weekend, the historic communities of Camden County revive a number of familiar traditions, from pool parties to parades to fireworks displays. We’ve tried to compile the most up-to-date, comprehensive list of celebrations in our area, including start times, rain dates, and other information. Here’s what we’ve got.
The Audubon Fire Department 9-11 Memorial. Credit: Audubon Fire Department.
Audubon
Audubon will hold its annual Fourth of July parade starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 4. The traditional parade route originates on Amherst Road.
This year’s theme is “We Will Never Forget,” a tribute to the victims, families, and heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Audubon Fire Department will dedicate its 9/11 memorial at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.
The borough fireworks show at Audubon High School starts at dusk on Monday, with a rain date of Saturday, July 9.
Bike Parade. Credit: Collingswood Jr. Women’s Club.
Collingswood
Collingswood kicks off its Independence Day celebrations on Monday, July 4, with a bike parade hosted by Bike Up Collingswood.
Children, families, and solo riders—helmets required—are invited decorate “bikes, wagons, strollers and scooters” for a patriotic community ride that ends in Knight Park.
Tatem Shields American Legion Post 17 will be handing out free ice cream and flags at the park entrance (Magill and Browning).
At 2 p.m., children can proceed to Roberts Pool, which will be open for water games, activities, and a free swim to keep everyone cool.
Throughout the day, the Proud Neighbors of Collingswood will judge homes and businesses participating in its annual decorating contest. Collingswood Cash, the borough town-wide gift certificate, will be awarded for the most creative, original, and “overall best look” properties, as well as those that show the most “appropriateness to architecture” and the “best historic home.” Contact july4@proudneighborsofcollingswood.org to participate.
Finally, at 6:30 p.m., Collingswood High School opens its gates for its Fourth of July spectacular, punctuated by the band TO THE MAX at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15. In the event of rain, fireworks are postponed to July 5. For the third consecutive year, Knight Park will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Indian King Tavern. Credit: Friends of the Indian King.
Haddonfield
Haddonfield will hold its Fourth of July fireworks at the Haddonfield Memorial High School stadium on Sunday, July 3.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks slated for dusk. Entertainment by The Shore Thing starts at 7:30 p.m. The event is free; donations are encouraged. No chairs on the field, only blankets. Rain date is Sunday, July 10.
The traditional borough Fourth of July parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, at the corner of King’s Highway and Chestnut Street and ends in front of Haddonfield Memorial High School. Registration is 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Fourth of July in Haddon Heights. Credit: Katie Compton.
Haddon Heights
Independence Day in Haddon Heights kicks off at 8 a.m. Monday, July 4, with the annual Firecracker 5K.
Then at 9 a.m., the borough parade heads out from Second Avenue, down Station Avenue, and around 10th Avenue to High Street. A baby parade will run from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. at Sycamore and Tenth Avenue, joining the full parade after.
A post-parade party in Hoff’s Park runs until 12, with face-painting, inflatables, and refreshments.
Crystal Lake Pool in Haddon Township. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
Haddon Township
The annual Haddon Township fireworks display will be held at the Haddon Township High School football stadium 7 p.m. Sunday, July 3.
Guests will enjoy live music and inflatable bounce amusements; refreshments will be sold. Fireworks begin at dusk; the rain date is Tuesday, July 5.
At 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, Haddon Township will hold its annual Fourth of July parade, starting at the municipal building (Haddon and Reeve) and ending at the Crystal Lake Pool. The best bands, floats, fire trucks, pets, and most patriotic bikes all will win prizes.
After the parade, the pool will be open to the public until 6 p.m. for water races, games, crafts, food, and entertainment. The first 750 guests will enjoy free hot dogs and soda.
Details for Oaklyn Fourth of July parade. Credit: Oaklyn Civic Association.
Oaklyn
The Oaklyn Civic Association will judge the most patriotic house in the borough at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 2.
Oaklyn will celebrate with a parade at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Participants will assemble at 9:50 a.m. in the parking lot of the Oaklyn Manor Bar.
Bikes and strollers decorated in patriotic fashion will be rewarded. The theme of the 2016 parade is “Oaklyn Loves Our DPW – Devoted Proud Workers.”
Hot dogs and soda will be served at the Oaklyn Public School after the parade. Attendees are invited to bring food and monetary donations for the Oaklyn Food Bank.
Want to march in the parade or enter a float? Registration is due July 1.
Waterfront Freedom Festival. Credit: Camden County.
Camden County
The Fourth of July Freedom Festival is a free concert and fireworks celebration presented by the Camden County Freeholders.
At 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, the Tri-County Symphonic Band opens a musical salute to veterans, yielding the stage to Ginger Coyle and the Peace Frogs at 6:30 p.m. Headliner Michael McDonald hits at 8.
The evening concludes with a fireworks show over the Delaware River at 9:30 p.m.. Parking is $10.
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