By Anastasia Millicker
While the skies over Red Bank, Rumson and Sea Bright will be quiet this Fourth of July holiday, towns around the Two River area will host a variety of events – including fireworks – that will be sure to light up the holiday week.
From fairs to fireworks, Monmouth County is celebrating the country’s 236th birthday. Only a few towns have scheduled fireworks shows for Wednesday, July 4 but several others are planning brilliant displays on Tuesday, July 3 or later in the week.
Asbury Park will celebrate the Fourth with a fireworks display on the 5th Avenue Beach from 9 to
9:30 p.m. July 4. On-street, metered parking is available throughout the city.
Festivities in West Long Branch are set to begin at 7 p.m. July 4 with a performance from Greaseband in Franklin Lake Park on Locust Avenue. Fireworks will follow the concert.
Bradley Beach will hold its Independence Day celebration on July 7 with music from local bands and fireworks beginning at dusk. The rain date for the event is Saturday, July 14.
Union Beach fireworks are set to explode around 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 on the beach. A rain date of Thursday, July 5, has been planned, if needed.
Keansburg will hold a fireworks display on both July 3 and July 4, beginning at dusk at the Keansburg Amusement Park, 275 Beachway Ave. On-street, metered parking is available by the theme park.
Hazlet will celebrate with a fireworks display on July 3 at Veterans Park on Union Avenue. The rain date for the event is planned for Friday, July 6.
Those looking for an early start or to extend their Independence Day celebration can head to Colts Neck, Manasquan, Atlantic Highlands or Wall for holiday celebrations and fairs before and after the Fourth.
The Colts Neck Country Fair will take place June 29-30 at Bucks Mill Park, 105 Bucks Mill Road. The fair will feature rodeo attractions, food, rides and fireworks each night.
Long Branch will hold its 22nd annual Oceanfest on July 4. Vendors and local bands will line up along the beachfront during the event sponsored by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce and the City of Long Branch. Oceanfest will end with a fireworks display.
Manasquan will hold an Independence Day celebration a day early on Tuesday, July 3 with multiple events around town. In keeping with an annual tradition, the borough will host a bicycle decorating contest at the Little League Field beginning at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., an Independence Day parade will begin at the Manasquan Coast Guard Station. After the parade, at 7:30 p.m., people can head to the beach to hear local musical acts. Fireworks will close the day with a display beginning at dusk. If necessary, a rain date for the fireworks will be July 7. The Manasquan Tourism Commission is sponsoring the holiday festivities.
Atlantic Highlands Fire Department will host its annual Fireman’s Fair Tuesday, July 3 through Saturday, July 7. The fair will feature rides, games, food and a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 6. The fair is located on Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor at Simon Lake Drive and begins at 6 p.m. each night.
Wall will kick off the holiday early with its annual Wall Township Fair. The fair, will open with a 5 p.m. parade Thursday June 28, will close with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display Sunday, July 1. Hours for the fair, located at 2700 Allaire Road, 5-10 p.m. each night.
