What to Do in Morris County This July 4th Weekend
There is a long-standing tradition in Morris County, New Jersey for celebrating America on July 4th. Of course, there are the picnics, trips to the Jersey Shore, and a lazy day around the house with a free day to relax and renew. The founding fathers enjoyed the holiday too by celebrating in a loud and joyous way with lots of music and fireworks.
John Adams, writing to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, opined “I am apt to believe that it (July 4th) will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
For the history lovers out there considering a staycation or a trip to a nearby heritage destination, there are great activities planned locally in Morris County. Here are our best picks to celebrate July 4th weekend in 2022.
Events on June 30th to July 2nd
The Randolph Township Freedom Festival will be taking place June 30th to July 2nd from 6pm to 11pm each day. This annual event hosted by the Randolph Kiwanis features live music, rides, parade, fireworks, food trucks and more festivities. It’s fun for the whole family!
Events on July 4th
A free tour of the c. 1713 Whippany Burying Yard begins on July 4th at 9:30 am. Dating from circa 1718, the Burying Yard is the resting place of many Revolutionary, Civil and WW 1 veterans as well as many of the original residents and founders of Whippany. Join us to see history come alive!
In addition, a free hike to the Revolutionary War-era Powder Mill begins at Acorn Hall at 11 am. Join us for a quarter mile hike to Jacob Ford’s (gun)powder mill on the Whippany River behind Acorn Hall and learn about the new discoveries made during the latest archeological dig!
You also won’t want to miss a free reading of the Declaration of Independence at Morristown National Historical Park at noon. This July 4th celebration will take place at the park’s Washington’s Headquarters grounds at 30 Washington Place, Morristown, with a “warm-up” by a costumed park ranger entertaining the crowd and providing a “kids level” explanation of the Declaration. This will be followed by the public reading at 1 pm and a mock salute called a feu de joie with muskets.
The Ford Mansion will be open for self-guided tours. Visitors should bring water and a chair or blanket to sit on the ground. The event will take place rain or shine. Parking is limited, so carpooling and walking are recommended. Trails at Jockey Hollow will also be open.
Fireworks Displays in Morris County
Finally, there’s no better way to cap off the holiday than with a fantastic fireworks display! On top of the fireworks display happening at the Randolph Township Freedom Festival, visitors and residents will also be pleased to find fireworks all around Morris County, including locations like Chatham, Dover, Florham Park, Jefferson Township, and Morris Plains. For more information, please visit the respective websites of these municipalities.
Have a Fantastic July 4th Weekend in Morris County
As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun events taking place in Morris County this July 4th weekend. Plan your trip today with our events calendar and stay in the loop with upcoming things to do in the area. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!
