Patriotic Celebration on July 3 in Lakewood Marks Independence Day
Lakewood Township is celebrating Independence Day, the birthday of the United States, on July 3, 2014, with a five-mile run in honor of slain Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz, a free band concert, and a fireworks display.
Miles for Matlosz, a five-mile run around Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood, sponsored by Darren St. Jean, a teacher at Brick High School who works with the recreation department and the police department, and Prestige Athletics memorializes police officers Christopher Matlosz, William “Nichie” Preslar, and Hartley F. Richter who died in the line of duty. This nonprofit event will raise money for Lakewood P.B.A. Local 71.
Check in for the race on July 3 is between 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. at the amphitheater, Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood. A one-mile Fun Run for children ages 12 – 17 (with a parental release form) begins at 6:00 p.m.; the five-mile Miles for Matlosz run begins at 6:30 p.m.
The preregistration fee, by July 1, is $10.00 for the one-mile run; $20.00 for the five-mile run; and $25.00 the day of the run. For more information or to register, call 908-783-5696 or email dstjean@prestige-athletics.
A free music concert on July 3 featuring the Patriotic Band conducted by Wilbur Wittemann will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Carasaljo, Lakewood. Bring lawn chairs. Investors Bank, Lakewood, and Dr. Gary Wheeler, Lakewood Family Dentistry, Route 70, are sponsoring this concert and several others this summer.
The Independence Day fireworks display over Lake Carasaljo that can be seen either from North or South Lake Drive, sponsored by Lakewood Township, will begin at 9:15.
July 4 marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. It was the approval of the Declaration that began the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain, and eventually led to America’s freedom from Great Britain. Traditionally, this strictly American holiday is celebrated by displaying the American flag, and having patriotic parades, concerts, fireworks, picnics, and barbeques throughout the United States.