HILLSBOROUGH, N.J., July 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- No holiday is nearer and dearer to the hearts of Americans than the Fourth of July. It was on July 4th, 1776, when the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, wherein the fledgling United States declared its independence from Great Britain. This holiday was celebrated from the very founding of the country and was officially designated a federal holiday in 1870. (1) Every town and city in America celebrates the Fourth of July, and residents of Claremont Towers in Hillsborough, New Jersey, can easily find such a celebration close to the luxury apartment complex.
The township of Hillsborough, New Jersey, is actually older than the United States. Hillsborough was founded by royal charter on May 31st, 1771, with a revised charter being issued on September 12th, 1771. (2) Boasting a population of 39,834 individuals, Hillsborough is quite enthusiastic about celebrating the Fourth of July. (3)
Those living at Claremont Towers know that Hillsborough has a special tie to the Revolutionary War. George Washington was marching his troops through the area to their winter quarters in Morristown after the Battle of Princeton. The Continental Army camped on nearby Sourland Mountain while British forces were camped in the valley below, just waiting to attack the outnumbered Continentals. Washington drilled his men on the mountain in various formations, using corn stalks for their rifles. The sun caught the corn stalks, causing the British to believe that Washington had received reinforcements. The British forces then left as they thought they were now outnumbered, allowing Washington to continue his march to Morristown.
The main event commemorating the Fourth of July that residents of Claremont Towers can enjoy is the township's fireworks display. This year, the official Fourth of July event will be held on Saturday, June 30th, at the Auten Road Intermediate School. The event will feature a bevy of family entertainment and food. There will be a complimentary shuttle service from the Hillsborough High School beginning at 5pm. The schedule of events for the Fourth of July celebration starts off with inflatable games lasting from 5pm to 8pm. A DJ and live music will help set the celebratory mood from 5pm through 9pm. The fireworks show will then begin at 9pm and promises to be a spectacular display. If rain should shut down the event, a rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 1st. (4)
To help enjoy the outdoors during the time surrounding the Fourth of July, those living at Claremont Towers can visit Duke Farms, the local leader in environmental stewardship. On July 1st, locals and visitors alike can visit the largest allotment-style community garden in the USA at Duke Farms and explore the five-acre, 468 plot garden that is normally closed to the public. (5) Later the same day, people can enjoy a native plant walk and learn about the flora that's native to New Jersey, especially the wildflowers that are in bloom. On July 8th, Duke Farms hosts an early morning bird walk led by bird expert Bruce McWhorter.
Cheryl Chambers of Claremont Towers says, "The Fourth of July celebration is one of the highlights of the year for myself and everyone living at Claremont Towers. I love how the township has a special connection to the founding of our country, and it's pretty cool to know that George Washington and his troops suckered the British into retreat just a few miles from Hillsborough. The township always puts on a spectacular fireworks show, and this year promises to be just as good. Of course, there will also be plenty of celebrating on the Fourth of July itself as everyone will be out and about, having picnics and grilling hot dogs and burgers. Another fun and interesting event is being held on July 8th in the neighboring community of Franklin Township. A 7-mile bike ride on the East Coast Greenway will follow in the footsteps of George Washington, and historical experts will detail the events of George Washington's movements through the area, as well as discussing his local spy. It should be fascinating, fun, and highly informative." (6)
References:
1) https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_Township,_New_Jersey
3) https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nj/hillsborough/demographics
4) https://patch.com/new-jersey/hillsborough/hillsborough-july-4th-fireworks-more-2018-guide
5) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-garden-snoop-tour-tickets-43760397527?aff=erelpanelorg
6) Quote from Cheryl Chambers of Claremont Towers
SOURCE Township of Hillsborough
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