Fireworks Near Me: Mendham's, Chester's 4th Of July 2021

UPDATED: July 2, 2:25 p.m.

MENDHAM, 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 Mendham and Chester so you can start planning now.
Here's what's in store this July 4 in Mendham and Chester:

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: Mendham Township Fireworks
Where: Mosle Field, Mendham Township
When: Was Friday, July 2 (rescheduled because of weather, now Monday, July 5)

Mendham Township is hosting its second annual fireworks display, with a fundraiser ongoing for it and donations welcome. When the gates open at 6:30 p.m., music and activities are planned up to 10 p.m., with the show after dark on the football field. Click here to donate to the show on Community Pass.

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: Brookside 4th of July Parade - “The Grandest Littlest Parade In America”
Where: Brookside Community Club, 1 East Main Street, Mendham
When: Saturday, July 3, beginning at 8 a.m.

This fun-filled free day is a parade and events lineup all in one. With the “Roaring 20s” theme for the 98th annual parade, known as "The Grandest Littlest Parade In America," the morning kicks off with breakfast at the community club at 8 a.m., followed with the parade at 9. At 11 a.m. is a picnic lunch followed by activities at the Community Club, including field games, parade awards and more. At 1:30 p.m. is swimming at Brookside Beach. To give a tax-deductible donation for the parade and events, use Venmo at @brooksideparade or mail a check made out to “Brookside 4th of July Parade Committee,” and send to Brookside Community Club, P.O. Box 168, Brookside, NJ 07926.

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: 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: Blairstown Fourth
Where: Footbridge Park, Footbridge Lane in Blairstown
When: Sunday, July 4, with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m., until 4 p.m.

The Blairstown Fourth celebrates 40 years for its free, yearly event, with food, games, shopping, music and fun. Click here for vendor or sponsor applications and contact BlairstownFourth@gmail.com for more information.

What: Duck Races
Where: Footbridge Park, Footbridge Lane in Blairstown
When: Sunday, July 4, 4 p.m.

Near the conclusion of Blairstown Fourth’s festivities, the Blairstown Rotary plans on its Duck Race event. Tickets are free to kids 18 and under. People who’d like to participate should pick up a ticket at the Rotary Club of Blairstown’s booth before 3 p.m. that day, with that the only time to pick up tickets. There’s a limit on tickets, with 1,000 and 1,000 ducks. All donations from the event will be given to the Blairstown Hose Company. There will be prize giveaways with the first a $100 Visa gift card. Follow the Rotary’s Facebook Page for updates.

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