Celebrate Fourth of July at the Oval

The United States of America is 237 years old Thursday!

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia formally adopted the Declaration of Independence which established a new and sovereign nation that would no longer bow to tyrannical British rule. 

Way back when, Founding Father John Adams, who went on to become the nation's second president, had an idea as to how to celebrate the country's birth.

"I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

That truth will be evident from sea to shining sea, and in Livingston, which is also marking its own bicentennial.

The township will celebrate all day long with events on and near the Memorial Oval on Robert Harp Drive.

Among the holiday happenings:

From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Livingston High School parking lot will be filled with a host of interesting conveyances at Auto Fest 2013.

At 10 a.m., the 14th annual reading of the Declaration of Independence takes place at Haines Pool.

Directly following is the yearly Kiwanis Swim Karnival, which runs until 9 p.m. and offers activities, entertainment, programs, games, rides, food, music at the Oval.

Music fills the air starting at 2:30 p.m. with performers taking the main stage location on the Oval, culminating with a show by Pop Rox Party Band at 7:30 p.m.

Now, Mr. Adams, dear Mr. Adams mused about illuminations too, and Livingston will not disappoint. Organizers say the 2013 fireworks show will be the biggest ever presented in the township.

Should you decide to venture beyond Essex County for the Fourth, check out this list of fireworks shows across the state.