By Sophia Wiener
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, Monmouth County has a lot to celebrate. And the county is encouraging its municipalities to contribute to the semiquincentennial year festivities. With less than a year left until July 4, 2026, many towns have already begun outlining the events they will host to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.
Not all municipalities have finalized plans and some may be subject to change, but here are some local events already on the books. (Visit monmouthnj250.org to learn more about the county’s upcoming plans.)
Atlantic Highlands is still collecting ideas from residents and town leaders for its celebrations. The borough plans to hoist commemorative banners throughout town, plant trees, and run a student art contest. Special events will include a concert, the recreation of 1976 bicentennial celebrations and events held in conjunction with partners such as the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society. Mayor Lori Hohenleitner also mentioned that, with tall ships organizing to dock in harbors in recognition of America’s anniversary, the 2026 Fireman’s Fair will offer spectacular views.
Holmdel will have a protracted celebration, with its first events kicking off in November. Early events include “Brushes with History,” a Revolutionary War-themed design contest for middle and high school students. Winners will have their artwork painted on a public wall at the town hall or library. The township also plans to host a Revolutionary War and early Holmdel history trivia competition, sponsor a scavenger hunt throughout the county’s historical sites and a bus trip to the Battle of Monmouth reenactment next June. Holmdel will cap off celebrations with a “Freedom Fest” cookout around July 4.
holmdeltownship.com/holmdel250
Oceanport will also spread its celebration throughout the next 10 months. On Oct. 22, it will host “A Slice of History,” a recipe swap and pie contest at the Old Wharf House in preparation for the creation of an Oceanport 250 Cookbook. In February, it hopes to hold a pickleball tournament. The spring and summer will see a “Red, White and Blue” party, a house decorating contest, a bike tour around town and a pub quiz at Baseline Social. On Flag Day in June, Oceanport will bury a time capsule, and in July, it will join Eatontown, Monmouth County and Netflix in hosting Monmouth Park Day at Monmouth Park. The borough also hopes to create banners to fly in honor of its “Hometown Heroes” and sponsor a town scavenger hunt.
Shrewsbury will celebrate with a parade on May 16, with a rain date of May 30. Local businesses, first responders and clubs will depart from Shrewsbury Borough School and march to Manson Park, where they’ll kick off an all-day celebration with live music, a DJ, an antique car show and food trucks. Scheduled local bands include yacht rock group Blue Abyss, rock ’n’ roll band The Pontiacs, string quartet Kül d’Sack and indie-pop ensemble Well Wisher.
The Tinton Falls Historic Preservation Commission will feature a display of Tinton Falls history at the upcoming annual Monmouth County Archives and History Day, held this year Oct. 11 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The display will showcase the dramatic razing of Tinton Falls – the town’s own slice of Revolutionary history – when, in 1779, the settlement was raided by Loyalists. In 2026, it will host a series of programs featuring speakers at the historic Crawford House, a renovated Colonial-period building. The borough also plans to have “plenty of children’s events,” according to historical commission member Linda Zucaro, such as a scavenger hunt and a campfire with stories and s’mores.
The Rumson America250 Committee celebrated a kickoff cocktail party at Salt Creek Grille on Sept. 14, where it announced several upcoming projects. Pending town approval, the committee hopes to fundraise for a Revolutionary War monument and memorial in Victory Park, which will be unveiled at their Flag Day Celebration on June 14. The committee is also working with local schools to plan educational
resources and initiatives. Additionally, the commission seeks a sponsorship to charter a private sunset cruise on July 3, past the Statue of Liberty and near the tall ships that the Sail4th 250 organization will gather in Sandy Hook Bay.
rumsonnj.gov/rumson-america-250 or rumsonamerica250@gmail.com
The Middletown America250 Committee has been hard at work since 2024. Currently, it hosts “Township Trivia Tuesdays” on alternating Sundays on its social media accounts and livestreaming at middletownnj.org/tv, as well as through other venues. The answer is revealed in the weekly e-newsletter The Middletown Minutes. The township also began a weekly photo contest in July and will soon launch an app where people can compete to win the most points by participating in future 250 events.
The township also plans to release educational videos featuring prominent Revolutionary War participants, design special merchandise for the anniversary, and has helped host cemetery cleanups honoring Revolutionary veterans buried in Middletown. Additionally, it will install signs and placards at historic sites.
Middletown Day, Oct. 19, will feature a Middletown America250 tent with activities, merchandise and photo opportunities. In May 2026, the township will host a block party to celebrate the anniversary. On June 28, the MonmouthNJ 250 Parade will march through Middletown.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Middletown is proud to showcase its remarkable role in the fight for independence. Through local programs, historic storytelling and community events, we are committed to honoring the sacrifices that helped shape our country and the freedoms we hold dear – all while inspiring future generations to do the same,” said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry.
middletownnj.org/america250; Instagram @middletownamerica250; Facebook: Middletown America 250
Municipalities can email editor@tworivertimes.com with updated plans as the anniversary approaches.
The article originally appeared in the September 25 – October 1, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
