The Millville Historical Society will join communities across the nation in ringing bells this weekend on July 4, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The featured bell is the Cotton Mill Bell, displayed on the front lawn of the 1814 Wood Mansion House, 821 Columbia Avenue.
The public is invited to gather at 11:30 and the bell ringing starts at noon. There will be 13 rings, honoring the original colonies.
Tanner Duski, as Millville’s first mayor, James M. Wells, will lead the ceremony by ringing the Cotton Mill Bell as part of America 250’s nationwide “Ringing of the Freedom Bells” celebration. Members of the Society will also take part in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and attendees will be invited to sign a replica of the historic document. To conclude the ceremony, Julie Murphy will sing the National Anthem. The event is free and parking, also free, is available from Church Street.
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The Cotton Mill Bell once regulated the daily rhythms of work and life for employees of the Millville Manufacturing Company. Cast in 1851 by Joseph Bernhard at his foundry at 78 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia, the bell was installed in the tower atop the spinning mill in 1855, the year the mill was completed.
Writing in the Fall of 1954 issue of Millville Manufacturing Company’s News, Sid Nemarrow quoted MMC office manager Harry Jones, who recalled that “the big bell…was placed in its tower atop the spinning mill in 1855” and that it rang not only throughout the workday but also “long and loud” during major national celebrations.
On July 4, 2026, the sound of this historic treasure will once again be heard on the streets of Millville’s Third Ward.
Millville Parade Cancelled, Ice Wagon Debut Postponed
Millville’s 4th of July Parade has been cancelled but a celebration of America 250, including a fireworks display is still set for 6 to 9 p.m at the Tim Shannon Sports Complex.
However, as reported in last week’s issue, the Millville Historical Society was to showcase the 1886 Whitaker Ice Wagon with Korean War veteran Franklyn Pangburn, 93, escorting the ice wagon during the parade.
The wagon will now debut at a later Millville Historical Society event, possibly its Ice Cream Social to be held on September 12, along with Pangburn as Master of Ceremonies. Stay tuned.
July 4 Event at Delsea Drive-in Sold Out
Delsea Drive-In in Vineland has been chosen to present a spectacular 4th of July night in connection with Major League Baseball’s MLB Summer Drive-In to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
The local drive-in, the only one in the state, was chosen with three others across the country.
The drive-in program in Vineland will include a live broadcast of the night’s Phillies game, a screening of the movie The Sandlot, PLAYBALL interactive zones, local food trucks, themed ballpark bites, and a fireworks display.
The other drive-ins are McHenry, IL: McHenry Outdoor Theater, Blue Ridge, GA: Swan Drive-In, and Paramount, CA: Paramount Drive-In.
“Baseball is the sport most associated with the holiday, so we want to take ownership of July 4 for our fans and partners,” said Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB’s CMO & SVP, Global Corporate Partnerships.
New Major League Baseball corporate sponsor Ford is the presenting sponsor of MLB’s July 4 activities.
Where To See Fireworks Locally
In addition to Delsea Drive-In, which will have a fireworks display in conjunction with its sold-out MLB event, there are a few additional options in and around Cumberland County to view spectacular fireworks displays:
• Bridgeton City Park’s Alden Field will host the sky display at 9:30 p.m. at 4 Burt St. The day normally includes an Independence Day Horseshoe Tournament that begins at approximately 11 a.m.
• Millville fireworks will launch at 9 p.m. The festivities are set for 6–9 p.m., and will include food trucks, games, vendors, and live music at the Tim Shannon Sports Complex at 2 Sharp Street. Visit millvillenj.gov for more information.
• Vineland fireworks: The celebration begins at 7 p.m. at Giampietro Park at the corner of Lincoln and Landis avenues. A patriotic concert will feature Rowan College of South Jersey Cumberland campus jazz band and wind symphony along with Bud Cavallo Trio. A fireworks display will go off at dusk at Vineland High School, located at Chestnut and Brewster roads.
This semiquincentennial celebration features a much larger and more spectacular display than ever before. The celebration is split between two main locations to maximize the experience:
The Pre-Show Concert Location: Giampietro Park (Enrico Serra Band Shell). Gates open and live music begins at 7 p.m.
The Fireworks Spectacular Location: Vineland High School Complex (located just past the park at 3231 E. Landis Avenue).
The expanded fireworks display will light up the Cumberland County sky at dark, typically between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Free to the public. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 5.
• Cumberland County Fairgrounds (3301 Carmel Rd., Millville), on Wednesday, July 8. Guests are invited to enjoy the fireworks from the grandstand at no additional charge. (Admission to Fair is $5 cash, kids 5 and under admitted for free.)
Fireworks begin promptly at 9 p.m. with free seating available in the grandstands. Arrive early for the best viewing locations. Bring your family, friends, and lawn-chair spirit. This family-favorite tradition is one of the most anticipated events of the fair, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate community, summer, and the spirit of the fair.
