Cape May County has created the "CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” grant program to help local towns elevate their Independence Day events. (Courtesy of Cape May County)
Major cities across the country won’t be the only places that will celebrate America’s 250th birthday in grand style.
The small towns and beach resorts of Cape May County are planning to throw some special birthday bashes of their own this summer with the help of nearly $250,000 in grants.
The county is handling out matching grants to its 16 municipalities through its “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” program to elevate each town’s unique Independence Day traditions.
The grants were approved by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners on April 28. Six of the municipalities were awarded the maximum individual grants of $25,000, while other towns received smaller amounts ranging from $23,375 to $1,000.
Under the guidelines, the program provides 50/50 matching grants of up to $25,000 per municipality to support, enhance, and elevate local patriotic events.
“Cape May County joins the nation in marking this historic milestone,” Board of Commissioners Director Leonard Desiderio said in a statement. “The Board of County Commissioners reaffirms its patriotic commitment to enhancing the America 250 experience for every resident and visitor. Through these vibrant, community-driven celebrations, we will proudly celebrate the ideals of liberty, freedom, and independence that have defined our great nation for two-and-a-half centuries. Let’s make this an American birthday celebration to remember for generations to come.”
Celebrations planned in Cape May County will include parades, historic reenactments, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, old-fashioned fireworks displays, modern drone shows and more.
“From drone shows and expanded festivals to parades, historical reenactments, and new patriotic traditions, residents and visitors across Cape May County will have abundant opportunities to come together to honor and celebrate the enduring values of liberty and independence that define our nation,” Desiderio said.
Following in alphabetical order is what each Cape May County town is planning to do with the help of the grant money they received to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday:
Patriotic-themed bike parades will be part of the holiday fun at the shore. Avalon, $20,725:
New events including a Declaration of Independence reading, patriotic golf cart parade with prizes and “Land of the Free” T-shirts, Nashville Express Americana concert, livestream of the boat parade, additional fireworks, and a grand finale patriotic drone show on August 27.
Cape May, $25,000:
“Cape May First and Only” marketing campaign and website celebrating the city’s 175th anniversary, 50th Historic Landmark anniversary, and America’s 250th. New events include a beach party/concert, race, Historic Preservation Award Reception, drone show, enhanced fireworks, banners, and custom flags.
Cape May Point, $2,950:
“Paint the Point Patriotic” enhanced Fourth of July celebration featuring large flag displays on county roads, an enhanced bicycle parade with free refreshments and American stick flags along streets and beach entrances.
Dennis Township. $1,000:
Plans include a communitywide patriotic photo contest and public exhibition across themed categories, with public voting, winner recognition, and a lasting visual archive of the township’s 200th anniversary and America’s 250th.
Lower Township, $25,000:
New patriotic banners, LED signage, and decorations countywide; enhanced Independence Day Festival on Beach Drive with added children’s amusements and an expanded Children’s Benefit Concert featuring rides, a second band and a USA-themed drone show.
Middle Township, $25,000:
Old-fashioned American fair at the Ockie Wisting Recreational Complex in Rio Grande on July 1, featuring traditional games, family activities, live entertainment, amplified fireworks, drone display, themed vendors and patriotic programming.
North Wildwood, $9,230:
Commemorative book highlighting the city’s history, key figures, and America 250 initiatives, production and distribution of a new commemorative flag for display at city buildings and free to residents and businesses.
Ocean City will feature hundreds of drones lighting up the sky and creating animations that salute America. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)Ocean City, $25,000:
“America 250: Lights Over Ocean City” – a series of patriotic drone light shows along the beachfront and Boardwalk on Monday nights in July and August featuring 250 synchronized drones creating illuminated patriotic images.
Sea Isle City, $12,500:
There will be two new “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Together” patriotic drone shows on June 30 and July 7, promoted with the county grant logo.
Stone Harbor, $12,500:
Patriotic Bike Parade & Festival on June 29 with awards and post-parade food vendors, live music, and face painting, a Patriotic Home & Business Tour on July 1 with judging, awards, and community gathering.
Upper Township, $25,000:
There will be an expanded full-day Independence Day festival from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Amada’s Field featuring enhanced fireworks, additional live music and community singers, expanded family activities, new patriotic banners, and community hospitality.
West Cape May, $5,180:
New “Celebrate America’s 250!” event on July 1 in Wilbraham Park featuring the U.S. Coast Guard Band and John Walter Cape Community Band, food trucks, festive decorations, face painting, balloon animals, and patriotic souvenirs.
West Wildwood, $3,386:
Enhanced bike/walking parade with patriotic mini gift bags, candy, trophies, expanded free food and beverages, live music, face painting, balloon artists, dunk tank, obstacle course, and patriotic T-shirts.
Wildwood, $23,375:
“America 250” kickoff at Barefoot Country Music Festival with veteran ticket giveaway and American-themed crafts; Jump City Jazz Orchestra “Song Book of America” concert; patriotic drone show; free 78th Army Band concert, bunting, digital signage, banners, and marketing.
Wildwood Crest, $25,000:
Full slate of events including Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet reenactment, flag ceremonies, time capsule, patriotic baby parade with food trucks and live music, patriotic art class, Revolutionary War lectures, 5K run, Declaration of Independence reading, and recognition of veterans and first responders, plus branded merchandise.
Woodbine, $7,500:
Horse and bike parade, with decorations supplied for children, followed by free museum celebration with hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, DJ music, and Americana Quilt Show, new bunting, banners, and decorations on key structures and the bikeway.
