Whether you are new to town or simply want a change of venue for your Independence Day festivities – I have the lowdown on all the fun events happening in the Cranford/Westfield area!

CRANFORD: 

What a  4th of July celebration! The town comes together for a family-friendly events that take place over the course of the entire day! 

7:30 am: Register for the Canoe Race at the Cranford Canoe Club (250 Springfield Avenue, Cranford). Trophies awarded to a winner in each category

8:00 am: Canoe Races begin – it’s exciting to watch the teams go down Cranford’s part of the Rahway River – you don’t want to miss this!

Cranford Jaycees 38^th Annual Firecracker Run 4-miler and Fun Run: hailed “the Premiere 4^th of July Road Race” – not only in NJ but throughout the region! This is the Cranford Jaycees’ largest fundraiser of the year with proceeds going to their Jaycees Scholarship Fund for high school seniors. It’s pretty impressive to view over 1,300 runners from all over NJ and even the country kick off the 4^th of July festivities. For more information go to the Cranford Jaycees website.

All events take place within Nomehegan Park (1024 Springfield Avenue, Cranford).  Cranford and nearby residents are encouraged to walk to all activities! However, there is limited parking at Union County College (1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford). 

8:30 am: The Firecracker Fun-Run begins – sponsored by Dave Weichert Magical Travel

9:00 am: The Firecracker 4-miler race begins – sponsored by Investors Bank. Last minute desire to put those sneakers on? You can still register at the race site – cost is $32

1:30 pm: Bike Decorating Contest at Nomehegan. Who can make their bike be red, white, & blue all over? Winners in each category awarded prizes!

2:00 pm: Let the games begin! Raffles, prizes, live music, amusement rides, food and drink vendors, face painting, and family-friendly games go on all day until 10:00 pm!!

9:15 pm: Time for Fireworks! (RAIN DATE July 5) For further information please call the Cranford Recreation Department at 908-709-7283

WESTFIELD: 

If you are a music lover then you are going to love what the 4^th has to offer in Westfield!

21^st Annual Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival: this FREE festival kicks off on July 4and runs until August 29^th.  Every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm, 5 bands ranging from contemporary, jazz, and big band will perform. This is a perfect way to get the family outdoors and enjoy the shopping and al fresco dining that Westfield has to offer. It’s so delightful take an evening stroll and hear live music around every corner! Visit Westfield Today’s website for a full schedule and more information. 

The locations are:

• Central Avenue in front of Banana Republic
• Lawn in front of the North Avenue Train Station
• Plaza at the corner of East Broad and North Avenue, 
• Elm Street in front of the Baptist Church
• Foundation Park across the street from Gallery U Boutique at 439 South Ave. W.(near the corner of South Ave W. and Westfield Ave.)

Westfield Community Concert Band: a special Independence Day FREE concert Thursday, July 6 at 7:30 pm in Mindowaskin Park at East Broad Street in Westfield, NJ. The Westfield Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Westfield Town Crier will be performing at this tribute event.

CLARK:

July 4 at 7:00 pm will be all the festivities at Arthur L. Johnson High School on Westfield Avenue. There will be live entertainment by a DJ, food vendors, ice cream, and local merchant vendors.  Fireworks start at dusk – around 9:15 pm.

FANWOOD/SCOTCH PLAINS:

Saturday, July 1 will be the 2^nd Annual Independence Day Festival for Scotch Plains. This will take place at the Scotch Hills Golf Course at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains. Everyone may enter the area at 7pm.  Fireworks will begin at dusk.  Rain date is July 2.

ELIZABETH:

July 4 will be the annual fireworks at dusk at the Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park on Front Street and Elizabeth Avenue. 

KENILWORTH:

Sunday, July 2^nd will be this town’s celebration.  At 5:30, a parade will commence at St. Theresa’s parking lot, head down South 24^th Street to Washington Avenue and end at Harding School. Once at Harding there will be live music, face painting, food vendors, and rides. These activities will continue until dusk when the fireworks begin at David Brearley High School on Monroe Avenue. 

ROSELLE PARK:

Saturday, July 1 festivities start at 6:00 pm and go until 10:00pm at Roselle High School at the Green Acres Complex

6-8:30pm: FREE carnival, games & activities 

7pm: Live music by Brian Clayton and the Green River Band

Dusk: Fireworks begin!  (Rain date Tues, August 1 – National Night Out)