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Community Corner

Camden Waterfront to Host Freedom Festival and Adventure Aquarium Fireworks Display July 3-6, 2014

Anchored by the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial and Adventure Aquarium, the second annual Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival, sponsored by Coca-Cola, will be better than ever – including the region’s largest display of fireworks, sponsored by Adventure Aquarium on Saturday, July 5.

The Camden County Board of Freeholders, the City of Camden, the Parking Authority of the City of Camden and Cooper’s Ferry Partnership have come together to host this four-day patriotic celebration of America’s birthday and America’s heroes.  People of all ages will enjoy live music, entertainment, military displays and demonstrations, attractions, amusements, contests, food concessions and a beer garden featuring local New Jersey beer along Wiggins Park and the waterfront promenade, topped off with magnificent views of the Philadelphia skyline and Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

The Freedom Festival will kick off on Thursday, July 3, at 11 a.m. featuring the pre-celebration for 102.9 FM WMGK’s 13th Annual Let Freedom Rock Fest.  In addition to the Festival’s family-focused attractions, games and amusements, WMGK will host live music featuring their former house band, the Sofa Kings and activities leading up to the 6 p.m. concert at Live Nation’s Susquehanna Bank Center. The concert will feature Foreigner, Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. Tickets are on sale now at www.livenation.com. Get more info on Let Freedom Rock Fest at www.wmgk.com.

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On Friday, July 4, the Festival will feature all things red, white and blue for South Jersey’s premier Independence Day celebration.  Live bands, military vehicles and Armed Forces displays will fill the Camden Waterfront with patriotic music and activities from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Celebration will serve as the pinnacle to the festival Saturday night, July 5, after the Camden County Freedom Concert beginning at 3 p.m.

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Sunday, July 6, will close out the weekend with special discounts for active military and veterans and their families at both Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum.  Adventure Aquarium will offer $10 admission to active and retired members of the military and their families; military ID requiredThe Battleship New Jersey will offer World War II veterans and former crew members of the USS New Jersey free admission all day. Additionally, a Fire power audio tour will also be offered to veterans for $15 per person.

Concessions, featuring a variety of food and drink options, will be available for purchase throughout the festival. Additionally, the Freedom Festival Beer Garden will be open during regular festival hours from July 3-5th.

“We welcome one and all to the magnificent Camden Waterfront for four days of fun, food, music and activities,” said Camden Mayor Dana Redd. “I wish to recognize Camden County Freeholder Director Lou Cappelli; Kevin Keppel, executive director of the Adventure Aquarium; Phil Rowan from the Battleship New Jersey; Willie Hunter, Executive Director of the Parking Authority of the City of Camden; and Anthony Perno, CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Partnership for their leadership and vision in organizing such a large-scale event for our city.” 

Camden County Freedom Festival hours:

  • Thursday, July 3: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Friday, July 4: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (expected start time for Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Celebration)
  • Sunday, July 6: Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum will be open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Adventure Aquarium will be open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Highlights of the Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival include: 

  • July 3-5: Freedom Festival Beer Garden
  • July 3-6: TEACH Fleet LEGO display aboard the Battleship New Jersey
  • July 3: Let Freedom Rock Fest pre-concert at Wiggins Park and main stage concert at Susquehanna Bank Center.
  • July 4: Battleship New Jersey Fantail BBQ and live music at Wiggins Park
  • July 5: Live music at Wiggins Park and Adventure Aquarium Waterfront Fireworks Celebration
  • July 6: U.S. Military Day at Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum

For hours and up-to-date information, visit www.camdenwaterfront.com/freedom

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