Fourth Of July Fireworks 2017 In Manchester, Lakehurst

Now that school's officially out, it's time to jump right in to summer, with its barbecues, picnics and of course, the Fourth of July.

If you're new to the area or perhaps thinking about taking part in the festivities this year, Manchester and Lakehurst, its next-door neighbor, do things a little differently.

Instead of holding their fireworks shows on the Fourth, the two towns hold them early. Manchester has its fireworks scheduled for Manchester Day, which is this Saturday, June 24, at Harry Wright Lake. The fireworks display caps off a full day of games, activities and music to celebrate the founding of Manchester Township, which marked its 150th anniversary in 2016. Read more about the 2017 Manchester Day plans by clicking here.

The fireworks display will begin at dusk at Harry Wright Lake on Lake Drive in the Whiting section.

If you miss Manchester's fireworks or are looking for a patriotic celebration closer to July 4, the borough of Lakehurst has you covered. The two-day celebration at Lake Horicon includes events on both July 3 and July 4, with food, drinks and fireworks on July 3, and an Independence Day parade down Union Avenue on July 4. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and there's a car show at Lakehurst Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Lakehurst fireworks cap the first day of the celebration, going off at dusk on July 3.

Photo by Karen Wall; Editor's note: Article was updated to correct the time of the Independence Day antique car show.