EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, a new South Jersey nonprofit is organizing what its founders hope will become one of the region's largest patriotic and educational events, bringing together residents from across southern New Jersey for a three-day celebration of American history, veterans and community.
The Spirit of 1776 South Jersey Celebration will take place Sept. 18-20 at Veterans Memorial Park in Egg Harbor Township. Organizers say the free event will feature a patriotic parade, military vehicles, historical exhibits, live entertainment, fireworks, food vendors and activities designed to teach children about the nation's founding and its history over the past two and a half centuries.
Speaking on WOND's Nancy Adler Nutrition Live! (Saturdays 11a-1p), organization President and co-founder Mike Bongiorno said the idea grew from discussions surrounding the nation's upcoming semiquincentennial and a desire to create something that would involve communities throughout South Jersey rather than a single municipality.
"We needed something for everybody," Bongiorno said. "This is not an Egg Harbor Township event. We're opening this up to all of southern New Jersey."
Bongiorno, an Army infantry veteran and longtime community volunteer, said the nonprofit was created after conversations with fellow veterans and community leaders who believed the country's 250th anniversary deserved more than a one-day celebration.
The organization has since become a registered nonprofit and includes volunteers with military, civic and business backgrounds dedicated to planning the regional event.
Focus on education
While the festival will include entertainment and family activities, Bongiorno said educating young people about American history remains the organization's primary mission.
"This is a family and children-driven event," he said.
Bongiorno said he believes many students are introduced to American history but are not given the opportunity to explore it in depth.
"I can't even say re-educating the children on the true history of the United States because I'm a believer... that the true history isn't really taught," he said. "It's lightly touched. They don't go deep on it."
He said organizers hope children leave the event with a greater understanding of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Revolutionary War history and the individuals who shaped the nation.
"Children deserve to know what this country is all about and how it started," Bongiorno said.
He stressed the event is intended to educate rather than promote any political viewpoint.
"This is not a political event," he said. "This is to help mold the young child... Teach them where they came from."
Three days of events
The celebration officially begins Friday, Sept. 18, with activities continuing through Sunday.
The largest day of programming will be Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning with a 9 a.m. patriotic parade featuring military vehicles, classic cars, motorcycle units, veterans organizations and community groups.
Opening ceremonies are expected to follow later that morning before a full day of educational programming, historical presentations and live entertainment.
Among the planned attractions are:
Historical exhibits from several South Jersey county historical societies.
Military displays and living history presentations.
A patriotic performance by a military band.
A Mummers string band performance.
Educational presentations by local veterans organizations.
Student portrayals of influential Americans from throughout the nation's 250-year history.
Food vendors and family activities.
A Catholic Mass in the park Saturday afternoon.
A fireworks display at dusk.
One exhibit Bongiorno said he is especially excited about involves students portraying notable Americans from throughout the nation's history.
"We want the kids involved with that," he said. "We want the kids to learn a little bit about who they're actually portraying."
He noted the celebration is intended to cover far more than the Revolutionary War.
"The 250th isn't just about the Revolution," Bongiorno said. "A lot has happened in this country—good, bad and different—between 1776 and today."
Regional effort
Although the celebration will be held in Egg Harbor Township, Bongiorno emphasized it is designed as a regional event.
Organizers are working with historical societies and community organizations from multiple South Jersey counties, including Cape May, Burlington, Ocean and Salem counties, while continuing to invite additional organizations to participate.
"We're opening this up to all of southern New Jersey," Bongiorno said.
Community support sought
Organizers are continuing to recruit sponsors, vendors and volunteers to help support the nonprofit event.
Businesses and residents interested in contributing can donate through the organization's website, 1776SJC.org, or contact organizers directly.
"It feels good to help," Bongiorno said. "We'd love to get the community involved."
Admission to the celebration is free, with food and merchandise available for purchase from participating vendors.
Bongiorno said organizers hope families from throughout the region will spend the day together learning about American history while honoring the nation's 250th birthday.
"This happens once every 250 years," he said. "Take your children and your grandchildren. Every step of the way at this event is going to be a moment to learn."
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
