The Cape May County Board of Commissioners has authorized the award of $248,346 in matching grants to all sixteen municipalities under the “CMC Land of the Free, Celebration 250” Grant Program. The grants will help local communities create memorable, family-friendly patriotic celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States while preserving each town’s unique Independence Day traditions. The Commissioners unanimously approved the awards at their April 28th public meeting.
The program was established by Resolution on February 10, 2026. It provides 50/50 matching grants of up to $25,000 per municipality to support, enhance, and elevate local patriotic events. The County appropriated up to $250,000 for the initiative. All sixteen municipalities submitted applications with the commitment of matching funds and detailed project descriptions. County Administration reviewed and approved every request as fully compliant with program guidelines.
“These grants represent a meaningful investment in our communities and in the shared celebration of America’s 250th anniversary,” said Board of Commissioners Director Leonard C. Desiderio. “From drone shows and expanded festivals to parades, historical reenactments, and new patriotic traditions, residents and visitors across Cape May County will have abundant opportunities to come together to honor and celebrate the enduring values of liberty and independence that define our nation.”
Grant Awards and Planned Use of Funds:
- Avalon – $20,725 – New events including a Declaration of Independence reading, Patriotic Golf Cart Parade with prizes and “Land of the Free” t-shirts, Nashville Express Americana concert, livestream of the boat parade, additional fireworks, and a grand-finale patriotic drone show on August 27.
- Cape May City – $25,000 – “Cape May First and Only” marketing campaign and website celebrating the city’s 175th anniversary, 50th Historic Landmark anniversary, and America’s 250th. New events include a beach party/concert, race, Historic Preservation Award Reception, drone show, enhanced fireworks, banners, and custom flags.
- Cape May Point – $2,950 – “Paint the Point Patriotic” enhanced July 4th celebration featuring large flag displays on county roads, an enhanced bicycle parade with free refreshment and American stick-flags along streets and beach entrances.
- Dennis Township – $1,000 – Community-wide patriotic photo contest and public exhibition across themed categories, with public voting, winner recognition, and a lasting visual archive of the township’s 200th anniversary and America’s 250th.
- Lower Township – $25,000 – New patriotic banners, LED signage, and decorations county-wide; enhanced Independence Day Festival on Beach Drive with added children’s amusements; and an expanded Children’s Benefit Concert featuring rides, a second band, and a USA-themed drone show.
- Middle Township – $25,000 – Old-fashioned American fair at the Ockie Wisting Recreational Complex in Rio Grande on July 1, featuring traditional games, family activities, live entertainment, amplified fireworks, drone display, themed vendors, and patriotic programming.
- North Wildwood – $9,230 – Commemorative book highlighting the city’s history, key figures, and America 250 initiatives, production and distribution of a new commemorative flag for display at city buildings and free to residents and businesses.
- Ocean City – $25,000 – “America 250: Lights Over Ocean City” – a series of patriotic drone light shows along the beachfront and boardwalk on Monday nights in July and August featuring 250 synchronized drones creating illuminated patriotic images.
- Sea Isle City – $12,500 – Two new “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday Together” patriotic drone shows on June 30 and July 7, promoted with the county grant logo.
- Stone Harbor – $12,500 – Patriotic Bike Parade & Festival (June 29) with awards and post-parade food vendors, live music, and face painting, a Patriotic Home & Business Tour (July 1) with judging, awards, and community gathering.
- Upper Township – $25,000 – Expanded full-day Independence Day festival (1:00 PM–9:00 PM) at Amada’s Field featuring enhanced fireworks, additional live music and community singers, expanded family activities, new patriotic banners, and community hospitality.
- West Cape May – $5,180 – New “Celebrate America’s 250!” event on July 1 in Wilbraham Park featuring the United States Coast Guard Band and John Walter Cape Community Band, food trucks, festive decorations, face painting, balloon animals, and patriotic souvenirs.
- West Wildwood – $3,386 – Enhanced bike/walking parade with patriotic mini gift bags, candy, trophies, expanded free food and beverages, live music, face painting, balloon artists, dunk tank, obstacle course, and patriotic t-shirts.
- Wildwood – $23,375 – America 250 kick-off at Barefoot Country Music Festival with veteran ticket giveaway and American-themed crafts; Jump City Jazz Orchestra “Song Book of America” concert; patriotic drone show; free 78th Army Band concert, bunting, digital signage, banners, and marketing.
- Wildwood Crest – $25,000 – Full slate of events including Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet reenactment, flag ceremonies, time capsule, patriotic baby parade with food trucks and live music, patriotic art class, Revolutionary War lectures, 5K run, Declaration of Independence reading, and recognition of veterans and first responders, plus branded merchandise.
- Woodbine – $7,500 – Horse and bike parade (decorations supplied for children), followed by free museum celebration with hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, DJ music, and Americana Quilt Show, new bunting, banners, and decorations on key structures and the bikeway.
“Cape May County joins the nation in marking this historic milestone,” said Desiderio. “The Board of County Commissioners reaffirms its patriotic commitment to enhancing the America 250 experience for every resident and visitor. Through these vibrant, community-driven celebrations, we will proudly celebrate the ideals of liberty, freedom, and independence that have defined our great nation for two-and-a-half centuries. Let’s make this an American birthday celebration to remember for generations to come!”
