Cape May County approves new funding ahead of America 250 celebration

Everywhere you look, people are making preparations for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While this was not the actual start date of the nation we know today as the United States of America, the signing of the Declaration in 1776 was the year the 13 colonies made clear their intentions to no longer be subjected to rule by a foreign entity like Great Britain.

From the Major League Baseball All-Star Game being played in Philadelphia to numerous companies rebranding products for the 250th, everyone is joining the celebration of the United States this year.

In South Jersey, Sixteen Municipalities Received Grants for 250th Celebrations

The Cape May County Board of Commissioners have authorized grants to aid local communities in creating "memorable, family-friendly patriotic celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary" of the Declaration of Independence.

The “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” Grant Program will be awarding every Cape May County Municipality matching funds in 50/50 formula for specific events for locals and visitors to New Jersey's southernmost county.

Cape May County Board of Commissioners Director Leonard C. Desiderio gave the following statement:

“These grants represent a meaningful investment in our communities and in the shared celebration of America’s 250th anniversary - 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.
"Cape May County joins the nation in marking this historic milestone; The Board of County Commissioners reaffirms its patriotic commitment to enhancing the America 250 experience for every resident and visitor"

These Are The Grants Awards To Each of the 16 Local Municpalities

*Avalon (Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 13) has been awarded $20,725 for 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 Thursday, August 27th

*City of Cape May (The United States oldest Vacation Destination Shore Town) is receiving $25,000 for the “Cape May First and Only” marketing campaign, which launched a website celebrating the city’s 175th anniversary, 50th Historic Landmark anniversary, and America’s 250th. Cape May events planned for the 250th include a beach party that will feature a concert, race, Historic Preservation Award Reception, drone show, enhanced fireworks, banners, and custom flags.

*Cape May Point (home to the oldest Lighthouses in the USA) has been awarded $2,950 for their July 4th celebrations. The “Paint the Point Patriotic” campaign will feature large flag displays on county roads, an enhanced bicycle parade with free refreshments, and American stick-flags along streets and beach entrances.

*Dennis Township (home to Belleplain State Forrest) is receiving $1,000 to help fund their Community-wide patriotic photo contest and public exhibition across themed categories. The contest will have public voting, and winners will be recognized as part of a lasting visual archive of the township’s 200th anniversary and America’s 250th.

*Lower Township (home to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in North Cape May) has been awarded $25,000 for the purchase of new patriotic banners, LED signage, and decorations as part of an enhanced Independence Day Festival on Beach Drive. The festival will have additional children’s amusements, and the Township will host an expanded Children’s Benefit Concert event that will feature rides, a second band, and a USA-themed drone show.

*Middle Township (home of Cape May Court House, where the county government operates) is receiving $25,000 for the funding of the Old-fashioned American Fair at the Ockie Wisting Recreational Complex (off Fulling Mill Road) in Rio Grande on Wednesday, July 1st. This family-friendly fair will feature traditional games, family activities, live entertainment, amplified fireworks, drone display, themed vendors, and patriotic programming.

*North Wildwood (Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 6) has been awarded $9,230 for the creation of a Commemorative book highlighting the North Wildwood history, key figures, and America 250 initiatives. The city will also produce and distribute a new commemorative flag for display at city buildings. and free to residents and businesses.

*Ocean City (Located off Garden State Parkways Exits 25, 29, and 30) is receiving $25,000 for a series of patriotic drone light shows. “America 250: Lights Over Ocean City” will feature light shows along the beachfront and boardwalk on Monday nights in July and August, with 250 synchronized drones to illuminate patriotic images.

*Sea Isle City (Located off Garden State Exit 17) has been awarded $12,500 to fund two new patriotic drone shows. The city will host “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Together” on Tuesday, June 30th, and Tuesday, July 7th, and event promotion will feature the county grant logo.

*Stone Harbor (Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 10) will receive $12,500 to fund a Patriotic Bike Parade and Festival. On Monday, June 29th, the city will give out patriotic awards and there will be post-parade food vendors, live music, and face painting. Stone Harbor will also have a Patriotic Home and Business Tour on Wednesday, July 1st with judging determining awards, and the community is invited to participate.

*Upper Township (Located outside of Ocean City) has been awarded $25,000 to expand Independence Day celebrations into a full-day festival at Amada’s Field. From 1pm to 9pm, the Township will host live music and community singers, expanded family activities, and community hospitality leading up to an enhanced fireworks display. Upper Township is also using the grant to purchase new patriotic banners.

*West Cape May (The more rural section of the Cape May Islands) is receiving $5,180 to fund their “Celebrate America’s 250!” event on Wednesday, July 1st at Wilbraham Park (the corner of West Perry Street and Broadway). This special event will feature the United States Coast Guard Band and John Walter Cape Community Band, along with food trucks, festive decorations, face painting, balloon animals, and patriotic souvenirs.

*West Wildwood (Across the Glenwood Avenue Bridge) has been awarded $3,386 to fund a special Patriotic Parade with walkers and bikers receiving festive mini gift bags, candy, trophies. The 250th celebration will also feature expanded free food and beverages, live music, face painting, balloon artists, dunk tank, obstacle course, and patriotic t-shirts.

*City of Wildwood (Home to the famous Wildwood Convention Center) will receive $23,375 for the America 250th Kick-Off at the 2026 Barefoot Country Music Festival. There will be ticket giveaways for veterans, and American-themed crafts. The grant money will also be used for the Jump City Jazz Orchestra “Song Book of America” Concert, along with a patriotic drone show, free-to-attend 78th Army Band Concert, plus patriotic digital signage, banners, and marketing.

*Wildwood Crest (southern municipality of The Wildwoods) has been granted $25,000 to fund the following events this summer:
-Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet Reenactment
-Flag ceremonies
-Patriotic Baby Parade with food trucks and live music
-Patriotic Art Class
-Revolutionary War lectures and 5K run,
-Declaration of Independence reading, plus recognition of veterans and first responders

*Woodbine (located a couple of miles west of Sea Isle City) is receiving $7,500 to fund a Horse and Bike parade, with decorations supplied for children, followed by a free museum celebration with hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, and DJ music. There will also be an Americana Quilt Show, new bunting, banners, and decorations on key structures and the bikeway as part of 250th festivities.

As someone who has lived more than half my life in Cape May County, here are some of my favorite aspects of New Jersey's southermost county: