Residents can celebrate our nation’s independence and enjoy a performance by renowned area band when Hamilton Township holds its annual Independence Day Fireworks and Concert Celebration on Thursday, July 2, 2009.

The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Park on Cowell Soccer Field. Residents can enter through the park’s south (Kuser Road) entrance.

Before the fireworks begin, residents will enjoy the music of the Nerds, a timeless cover band who play a repertoire of soul, classic rock and TV show anthems and are well-known from their performances up and down the Jersey Shore and across the tri-state area. Food vendors will also be available along-side Cowell Soccer Field during the concert performance.

Following the free concert, at approximately 9:00 p.m., residents will be able to enjoy a fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks will be accompanied by patriotic music that will keep everyone in the Fourth of July spirit.

"This year’s Independence Day Fireworks and Concert celebration promises to be one that families and friends can enjoy together," explains Hamilton Township Mayor John F. Bencivengo. "I hope as many residents as possible will join us for this wonderful celebration."

Originally, the tentative date for the Independence Day Fireworks and Concert Celebration was Friday, July 3rd. However, the Township was able to save money by moving the festivity to Thursday, July 2nd with reduced costs for the fireworks and band, as well as saving on Township employee overtime costs.

Similar to last year’s event, Mayor Bencivengo’s Recreational and Community Events Sponsorship Initiative, which seeks business sponsorships, rather than taxpayer dollars, to fund Hamilton’s community events will again fund the cost of this year’s Fireworks and Concert celebration, including overtime Township employee costs. Capital Health Systems will also once again be the lead sponsor of the celebration.

Should inclement weather cause the Fireworks and Concert Celebration to be postponed, the rain-date will be Monday, July 6, 2009, beginning at 6:30 p.m.