With a One Year Out kickoff at the Monmouth County Fair on July 23 this year, the Monmouth 250 celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States next year promises to be a highlight not only for many boroughs and towns in Monmouth County but for the County as well.
County Clerk Christine Hanlon led dozens of representatives from many Monmouth County towns through a series of programs the County is planning and has undertaken for next year’s celebration, encouraging each of the towns to stage their own events, keep the County office included, and share events, dates and locations for all their Monmouth 250 celebrations.
At last week’s meeting, Hanlon released a series of dates beginning with the July 23, 2025 kickoff at the Monmouth County Fair and Archives Day on October 25 when the theme will be the Revolutionary era.
Next year’s activities include a Revolutionary weekend in Old Monmouth on May 3, a Revolutionary Hunter Pace at Tatum Park in Middletown on May 17, a 250 Monument unveiling on June 4 and a 10 K and family fun run at Bell Works in Holmdel on June 14. Also slated for next June are a 250 Gala on June 25, and a massive 250 Parade in Middletown on June 28.
Highlight of the celebration will be Sail 250, the July 3 and 4, visit by tall ships from many different nations led by the Coast Guard’s own Eagle. Topsail 76, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the country, was a massive event throughout the waterfront towns as cadets from many nations spent the weekend hosted by towns and yacht clubs before the Topsail Parade of Ships in New York Harbor.
Hanlon noted the number of activities and gifts available right now in preparation for Monmouth 250, including post cards with views of a variety of Monmouth County sites from a lighthouse and churches to historic homes and the oceanfront.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office has released information sheets of restaurants and quick service food, convenience stores and fuel stops to local hotels, downtown areas and shopping malls The Monmouth County Division of Transportation has brochures available showing Ride in Monmouth and the Wellness Transportation programs for seniors, residents with disabilities and the general public in rural areas, where facilities are provided for shared transportation for shopping, senior centers, recreation, veteran’s hospitals and medical appointments.
The Monmouth 250 Committee has opened its Semi quincentennial Poetry Comfort for Monmouth County students in grades 3 to 5 as well as an art competition for professional and non-professional artists The Committee has designed coloring books highlighting revolutionary figures and places. The coloring book, which is as fascinating for children as it is for senior citizens, is designed, according to Hanlon “with the hope it inspires you and your family to join us in celebrating America’s 250 birthday.
The Monmouth NJ 250 Committee was formed by Monmouth County officials to celebrate the event, honoring Monmouth County’s role in the fight for independence. Plans call for highlighting and honoring the people, places and events that made Monmouth County a special place as the Crossroads of the American Revolution.
For more information on all the events of Monmouth 250, visit Monmouthnj250.org
Monmouth 250 Monmouth 250
