Fireworks Near Me: Chatham’s 4th Of July 2021

CHATHAM, NJ — Coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, which means there is even more reason to celebrate this Independence Day. July 4 is almost here, so it's time to find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you.

We have all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Chatham so you can start planning now.
Here's what's in store this July 4 in Chatham:

July 4 Festivities

What: Revolutionary Times 2021 July 4th Events
Where: Morristown
When: To be announced

In 2020, there was a virtual reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Morris County Tourism Bureau typically coordinates a Declaration of Independence reading in the Morristown Green. Stay tuned here to the Washington’s Headquarters’ National Park Service website for updates.

What: Randolph Township Freedom Festival
Where: County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
When: Friday, July 2, from 6 to 11 p.m., Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

The fun continues for the second of the three day festival in Randolph, with the added bonus of a DJ from 8 to 11 p.m. and a fireworks display that begins at 9:45 p.m. On Friday, there’s a $5 donation per car requested for the fireworks. Rain date for the fireworks is July 3, with the fireworks on July 4 if the show is the July 3 festival is canceled for any reason. Plus come on July 2 to enjoy the food, music, rides, vendors, games, family entertainment and the rest of the Freedom Festival fun. Click here for details.

What: Randolph Township Freedom Festival Parade Day
Where: County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
When: Saturday, July 3, beginning at 10 a.m.

Who doesn’t love a parade? The parade route for the final day of the Freedom Festival begins on Dover Chester Road and Quaker Church Road at Mount Fern Church and finishes at the County College of Morris. Click here for details.

What: Randolph Township Freedom Festival
Where: County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph
When: Saturday, July 3, from 6 to 11 p.m., Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

The final day of the Freedom Festival and should there be a rain date on July 2, this is the night the fireworks will go on. Otherwise, come for this last day to enjoy the food, music, rides, vendors, games, family entertainment and tons of other fun things. Click here for details.

What: Drive-Through Parade
Where: Throughout Chatham Township
When: Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m. to noon

Chatham Township first responders from the fire and police department, plus the emergency squad and Green Village Fire Department, are planning a drive-through parade in Chatham Township neighborhoods. Families in the township should listen for the sirens and then head to the edge of the yard for a glimpse of the passing parade. See more details here.

What: Guided Tours of the Whippany Burying Yard
Where: 325 Route 10 East, Whippany
When: Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m. to noon

The Hanover Township Landmark Commission has organized tours of the Whippany Burying Yard, which celebrated its Tricentennial in 2018. This is the eternal resting place of colonial settlers who walked the earth, pre-dating the birth of the United States, some who fought in the American Revolution. Attendees can park in the lot on Route 10 East and walk west in the direction of the cemetery. See more details here.

What: July 4th Historical Hike
Where: Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall, 68 Lafayette Avenue, Morristown
When: Sunday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to noon

Free for attendees, enjoy a guided hike along the Patriots’ Path where Revolutionary War activities took place. Walk in the footprints of history, to the ruins of a powder mill, owned by Jacob Ford Jr. The powder manufactured at this site was sent to Gen. Henry Knox’s troops in Pluckemin. Visit the event page for more details.

What: West Orange 4th of July Celebration and Food Truck Festival
Where: West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Avenue West Orange
When: Sunday, July 4, beginning at 1 p.m., rain date, Monday, July 5

The fun-filled day starts at 1 p.m. with West Orange’s 5th Annual Food Truck Festival lasting until 9 p.m., then the fireworks begin at dusk. Click here for more details.

What: Livingston’s 4th of July Celebration
Where: Memorial Oval & Park, South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
When: July 4th, All Day

The 84th annual celebration is a post-COVID celebration that begins at 9 a.m., with an car show, “Swim Karnival,” cricket game and expedition, free pony rides, “Hocus Pocus” magic show, Powerhouse Studios, Mr. Zoom Balloons, a photo booth and food trucks. There will be live musical entertainment from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the beer and wine cafe.
The “Part II” of the July 4th Celebration will take place on September 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with musical guests and then a fireworks display, the fun starting at 6:30 p.m.
Click here for full details:

What: 4th of July Weekend Roller Skate
Where: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center, 7th Avenue, Newark
When: Monday, July 5 at limited tickets at select times

Enjoy skating in Branch Brook Park’s Roller Skating Center, open to all ages. Everyone attending must have a ticket and wear masks when skating.Click here to buy tickets, while they last.

What: Chatham Independence Day Flag-Raising
Where: Reasoner Park, Chatham Borough
When: Monday, July 5, 9:15 a.m.

Before the borough's "Alternative Parade" the Fire Department Association has planned its yearly flag-raising ceremony at Firehouse Plaza's Reasoner Park. See details for both events here.

What: Chatham Independence Day Alternative Parade
Where: Throughout Chatham Borough
When: Monday, July 5, beginning at 10 a.m.

In lieu of the Independence Day parade and fireworks, the Chatham Fire Department Association will host its “Alternative Parade” in 2021, with a return to its normal yearly parade and fireworks planned for 2022. Three separate motorcades of first responders will parade around Chatham for residents, as they had in 2020. Resident Emma Zapata is credited with saving the day and parade in 2020, after having approached officials on the alternative parade concept. Check out the parade map here.

RELATED: How To Keep People And Pets Safe During July 4th Fireworks

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute, so double-check with organizers. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com