FLEMINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a parade June 14 in historic Flemington Borough.
The 250th Hunterdon Parade will begin at 2 p.m. in the county seat and is expected to bring together residents, businesses, veterans groups, emergency service agencies, civic organizations, community groups and visitors from across the region.
The parade is sponsored by Hunterdon County, the 300th Anniversary of Hunterdon County Committee and the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce as part of a yearlong celebration recognizing both America’s semiquincentennial and Hunterdon County’s history. Organizers said ShopRite of Hunterdon County also donated in support of the event.
The parade will feature marching bands from North Hunterdon, Hunterdon Central and South Hunterdon, as well as the Somerset County Police Pipes and Drums, veterans organizations, first responders, youth groups, civic organizations, historical reenactors, businesses, community leaders, cultural organizations and decorated floats.
Historical reenactment groups expected to participate include the Second New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company, the 15th Regiment New Jersey Infantry and Gold’s Dragoon.
Commissioner Shaun Van Doren of the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners said the event will be a major community celebration.
“Parades bring a community together to celebrate – in this case Hunterdon County will come together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a parade on Flemington’s Main Street. This is an event for the entire family, not to be missed – watch everything from marching bands to floats to historical and first responder organizations. Witness history in the making!”
The parade will be led by General George Washington, portrayed by reenactor John Koopman. Koopman has appeared in films for George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Monmouth Battlefield State Park and the Museum of the American Revolution, as well as 250th anniversary reenactments in Philadelphia and Boston.
Mary Melfi, Hunterdon County clerk and co-chair of the parade with Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce President Christopher J. Phelan, said the event will highlight the people and organizations that make up the county.
“Along with Chris, I am looking forward to the seeing all the people and organizations in the 250th parade that make this county great while celebrating this special moment in our nation’s history.”
“This parade will be an opportunity for our entire community to come together and celebrate the ideals that have defined our nation for 250 years—freedom, service, innovation, and community,” said Christopher J. Phelan, President of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce. He went on to comment, “as we commemorate America’s Semiquincentennial, we also recognize the important role Hunterdon County has played throughout our nation’s history and the bright future that lies ahead.”
Flemington Mayor Marcia Karrow, chair of the 250th anniversary celebrations, said the parade will also recognize Hunterdon County’s Revolutionary War history.
“The county parade celebrates the 250th year of our nation’s independence but also celebrates the significant role that Hunterdon County played in that war for independence.” She went on to say, “ We made Washington’s army’s cannon balls, milled the flour for their bread, and recruited his militia. Washington crossed the Delaware into Hunterdon, the very important Battles of Trenton and Assunpink were fought and won in Hunterdon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence lived in here, and the first reading of that great document outside of Philadelphia was read in Hunterdon on July 8, 1776.”
Organizers are encouraging businesses, nonprofits, schools, scouting units, youth sports organizations, service clubs, faith-based groups, emergency service agencies and other community organizations to participate.
Additional information about parade registration and participation is available through the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce at www.hunterdonchamber.org, by emailing info@hunterdon-chamber.org or by calling 908-782-7115.
