UPDATE: Fireworks and a concert scheduled for tonight, Thursday, July 3, have been postponed to Sunday, July 6, due to an inclement weather forecast.
Residents may still head over to State Theatre tonight for a 5:30 p.m. reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a free screening of the film “National Treasure”.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Hub City will be home to at least two events re-enacting its rich history this holiday weekend.
Following George Washington’s victory over the British at Monmouth in 1778, the banks of the Raritan here in New Brunswick saw one of the first celebrations of our nation’s Independence, as 7,000-8,000 troops lined the water to fire their muskets.
On Friday at 1:30pm, the City will be celebrating this victory and George Washington’s Feu de Joie (Fire of Joy) salute at Buccleuch Park hosted by the New Brunswick Historical Association.
Several re-enactors will be portraying the 2nd New Jersey Regiment on the bank of the Raritan and George Dawson will speak about the significance of this occasion (It’s the reason the USA celebrates Independence Day on the fourth.)
The event is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
George Dawson, the city historian, told New Brunswick Today that the city has “a multifaceted history.” It was the 3rd city in the colonies to receive a reading of the Declaration after is was drafted.
That public reading will be re-enacted for the second consecutive year at the State Theatre tonight, Thursday July 3 at 5:30pm, followed by a screening of National Treasure at 6:00pm.
The festivities will continue after the film at Boyd Park where there will be live music featuring Rumba Con Son followed by a fireworks show at 9:15pm.
The events will be open to the public and free parking will be available at the nearby Rutgers Public Safety Building.
Parking will be closed near Boyd Park due to close proximity with the fireworks, but handicap parking will still be available.
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