Trusted Local News

Celebrate American independence with Downbeach fireworks displays and foot races

  • Downbeach
Pixabay By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY Let the pyrotechnics begin. It’s time to celebrate America’s independence from tyranny at the Jersey shore. Fireworks displays will be held in all three Downbeach towns this summer, starting with two mid-week celebrations next week in Ventnor and Margate. The tiny hamlet of Longport reserves its fireworks display until the end of summer when crowds enjoy a holiday weekend celebrating their labors. “First in fireworks” is Ventnor’s Independence Day Celebration being held Wednesday, July 3. The party begins at 6 p.m. with live music at the beachfront park on Newport Avenue. Ventnor’s own Ricky Stevens, known locally as “The Voice of Ventnor,” will perform at 5:45 p.m. with the Exceptions as the headliner starting at 6:45 p.m. Also offered will be crafters and food vendors. Fireworks will be bursting in air starting at dusk. Also on tap is the 52nd annual Ventnor Mile sponsored by Ventnor Recreation that steps off at 7 p.m. at New Haven Avenue and the boardwalk. It’s too late to pre-register, but you can sign-up at the event beginning 5:30 p.m. on race day. Registration is $25 for adults, $20 for children. T-shirts provided while supplies last. Age group awards will be presented at 7:55 p.m. See runsignup.com for more information. Pixabay Then, in Margate, enjoy the fireworks display sponsored by the Margate Mothers Association starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The fireworks will be shot off from the beach at Huntingdon Avenue. The beach will be closed that day to allow pyrotechnic professionals to set up. There are great vantage points anywhere along the beaches from Ventnor to Longport. A good vantage point is on the Ventnor Fishing Pier, which will be open to the public during the fireworks. Longport celebrates Independence Day with The American Mile, which has become a family tradition, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The event is sponsored by and benefits the Longport Volunteer Fire Department. The fun starts at 11th and Atlantic avenues beginning 6:30 p.m. and travels to the finish line at Pelham Avenue. Online registration, which closes at midnight July 2, is $25 for adults, $20 for children 10 and under. Pick up race packets at the Longport Firehouse, 2305 Atlantic Ave., between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. on race day. A post-race awards ceremony, which includes hot dogs and drinks at the Firehouse, will be held at 7:15 p.m. Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers, along with age group winners. For information, see https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Longport/TheAmericanMile Longport ends the 100 days of summer in style with its fireworks display at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Fireworks will go off from the beach at 33rd Avenue. The wind or rain date is Aug. 25. Copyright Access Global Network LLC 2024