Freedom Fest Continues Through the Weekend

The 4th of July Weekend has already begun along the Camden Waterfront.  The Camden County Freeholder Board, the City of Camden, the Camden City Parking Authority and Cooper’s Ferry Partnership have joined together to host the “Freedom Festival” a four-day patriotic celebration of America’s birthday and America’s heroes.

“We invite everyone to come out to the Camden Waterfront for a weekend full of music, food and fun for the entire family,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Ed McDonnell, liaison to the Department of Events and Community Outreach.  “Join us as we salute the brave men and women of our nation’s armed forces with patriotic displays and demonstrations.”

The weekend features live music, entertainment, military exhibitions, 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 kicked off Thursday with 102.9 FM WMGK’s 13th Annual Let Freedom Rock Fest pre-show.  In addition to the Festival’s family-focused attractions, games and amusements, WMGK is hosting a 6 p.m. concert at Live Nation’s Susquehanna Bank Center. The concert will feature Foreigner, Styx and former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. Get more info on Let Freedom Rock Fest at www.wmgk.com.

On Saturday, 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.

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 required. The 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 Fireworks Celebration)
Sunday, July 6: Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum 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 pre-concert at Wiggins Park followed by main concert
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

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

--Press release from the Camden County Freeholder Board