264th Bernards Township Charter Day Returns On Saturday

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township's 264th Anniversary of Charter Day will be held on Saturday, featuring a street fair, entertainment, art and history displays, food and amusements.

Coordinated by the Department of Parks & Recreation, this is their 27th annual celebration which draws about 10,000 visitors to Downtown Basking Ridge.

The street fair begins at noon and features local businesses, non-profit organizations, school groups, service organizations, and crafters.

"We are proud to be a community focused event with the majority of our street fair vendors being Bernards Township based businesses and organizations. We have quite a variety of vendors with many new groups participating this year," said Jennifer Gander, Director of Parks & Recreation.

The event will also have food vendors serving hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, sausage sandwiches, fried ravioli, funnel cakes, ice cream, lemonade and more.

Food vendors are located near the main stage eating area. A few other food vendors can also be found throughout the street fair and on the Oak Street School field along with the amusements.

View the event map and schedules at www.bernards.org or visit the Charter Day booth near the intersection of Henry Street and Finely Ave to pick one up at the event.

The Parks & Recreation booth will feature information on membership at the Coakley-Russo Memorial Golf Course and Pleasant Valley Pool and information on their summer recreation programs and special events. They are also collecting votes for the movies you would like to see under the stars this summer.

Other Bernards Township municipal committees and departments are also participating: Agricultural Advisory Committee, Fire Prevention, Friends of the Library, Health Department & Municipal Alliance, Police Department and Shade Tree Commission.

The Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 and EMS and Liberty Corner Fire Company will have vehicles on display. The Basking Ridge Fire Company and EMS will also be selling cotton candy during the street fair.

Entertainment on the main stage will begin with our official Opening Ceremonies at noon. Located at the intersection of Finley Ave and Oak Street, the Main Stage features performances and demonstrations by students and local groups all day.

Returning this year are performances by performances by Tree House, The Pettets, KNOWHERE, Jamestown Duo, the Aardvark Magic Show and PB & J. Some new groups this year include Gotta Dance, The Green Planet Band, AYLUS and Brave Dance.

For more information on scheduled entertainers, visit bernards.org/resident/charter-day.

Westminster Hall, at the Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge, will once again feature the Student Art Show and Photography Competition exhibit. The hall will be open with art on display from local students.

The Brick Academy, located just off the town green, will also be open for visitors. Stop by to see the Historical Society exhibits including the mock schoolhouse on the top floor. Gifts and keepsakes will be available for sale.

Rides, inflatable amusements and carnival games will entertain children of all ages are located on the Oak Street School field. Strolling entertainers can be found all throughout the event.

Parking is available at Ridge High School located at 268 South Finley Ave and the Bernards Township Municipal Building located at 1 Collyer Lane. A free shuttle bus will make frequent stops throughout the day to bring passengers downtown to the fair.

This event is rain or shine. If necessary, schedule updates will be posted at www.bernards.org.