More than 130 boats join Lake Hopatcong flotilla celebrating America’s 250th birthday
LAKE HOPATCONG, N.J. — More than 130 decorated boats and hundreds of participants filled Lake Hopatcong with red, white and blue on Saturday during a patriotic flotilla celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Hosted by the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, the free event featured a parade of boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards as residents lined the shoreline to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Homes, docks, businesses and community organizations around New Jersey’s largest lake were decorated in patriotic colors as the flotilla cruised around the lake.
The Hopatcong Fire Department greeted participants from the River Styx Road bridge, sounding fire engines and saluting the passing vessels. A reenactor portraying Gen. George Washington also joined the celebration aboard a boat.
“Seeing so many families, boaters and residents come together on Lake Hopatcong to celebrate America’s 250th birthday was truly inspiring,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, a member of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. “The incredible turnout, patriotic spirit and enthusiasm shown by everyone on the water and along the shoreline was an uplifting and memorable way to honor America’s 250th birthday.”
The flotilla departed from Nolan’s Point, led by the historic Miss Lotta and the Floating Classroom. More than 130 motorized boats decorated in patriotic themes were followed by sailboats participating in the “All Fleet Sail” and kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders taking part in the “Paddler Flotilla.”
Live music, family-friendly activities and celebrations at locations around the lake continued throughout the day.
Among those participating were Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Deputy Director John Krickus, Commissioners Douglas Cabana, Deborah Smith and Christine Myers, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray and Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee Executive Director Sarah Neibart. Also participating were Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen, Mount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis, Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo, Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate and Lake Hopatcong Commission Chairman Ron Smith.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon also patrolled the lake with Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose and local police officers, greeting boaters and helping ensure the event remained safe.
County officials thanked Marty Kane, chair of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, along with the foundation, volunteers and community organizations that helped organize the event.
The flotilla was part of Morris County’s ongoing America 250 celebration, highlighting the county’s Revolutionary War history and encouraging residents and visitors to explore its historic sites and communities throughout the anniversary year.
