2024: Bernards Township Charter Day

Planning is already underway working with Mother Nature to bring Charter Day a nice warm sunny day for May 18, 2024.

Bernards Twp. Charter Day
May 18, 2024

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Street Fair Details

Yes it rained on May 20, 2023 but volunteers, vendors and residents DID show up for Charter Day. As they say “rain or shine” and it rained! Go check out FB and instagram and look for the hash tag #btcharterday and #btcharterday2023 for some great photos. But now it’s time to talk 2024 about mixing history and a street fair – it’s called Charter Day. Actually it’s #btcharterday2024 – so get ready to come and have a good time, and don’t forget to hashtag your social media posts.

Charter Day 2024

Expect visitors to the downtown Basking Ridge section of Bernards Twp celebration to reach over 10,000 as the festivities commence with the Town Crier conducting the opening ceremonies on the downtown green at 12pm. With Basking Ridge being the home to the Mr. Local History Project, we look forward to participating and sharing our local history with a “social twist.”

The annual event, coordinated by the Bernards Twp Recreation Department is an annual event that promises to be a fun and festive day with food, games, rides for the kids, local vendors, art displays, service groups and reminders of history all joined together at this annual street fair and festival right in the heart of the Bernards Twp section of downtown Basking Ridge. The celebration started back on May 20, 1995 and has run every year since except for a few weather and COVID-19 cancellations. The original Charter of Bernardston was signed May 24, 1760.

Get ready for a fun filled street fair and festival on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the historic Basking Ridge village.

• See and Sign the Charter of Bernardston wallboard.
• Get a 1873 map of the Basking Ridge Village (donation please)
• Purchase an official Bernards Township garden flag (very limited supplies).
• Learn about Project Local Ambassador how all students get a Bernards flag.
• See and purchase the latest NJ Historic Village Cat’s Meow keepsakes
• Talk to our docents about local history

Plenty of fun local history is planned for our MLH Booth this year. Stop by to see, sign up for the 2024 Bernards Township Day of Service and Community Pride. Learn about our Basking Ridge Flags for students called “Project Local Ambassador.” rs. Check out the historic keepsakes from the New Jersey Historic Village Collection and more.

#btcharterday Social Medial

Make your own history in 2024 by bringing your camera – or smartphone & post pictures of your friends, kids, pets, your festive table or any other Charter Day activities on our community Facebook page! We’re also on Twitter and Instagram. Post and hashtag #btcharterday. Be part and make your own history!

• 12:00 Opening Ceremonies – Town Crier Hank opens the day on the main stage!
• 12:00 – 6:00 – Amusements on Oak Street school field – vendors, food, and organizations showcase
• Live performances and presentations will offered by local bands and organizations.
• Live entertainment including musical and dance performances, demonstrations, strolling magicians and more.

Interactive Map – Charter Day

Just click on the map to zoom around or find parking areas.

Why We Celebrate Charter Day

Charter Day commemorates the Saturday,May 24, 1760. anniversary of the granting of a township Charter by King George II of England, establishing Bernardston Township. This act was as a courtesy and in appreciation for the services of Sir Francis Bernard, Royal Governor of New Jersey. From January 27, 1758 to July 4, 1760 Sir Francis Bernard, son of a British Reverend was appointed for two years as Royal Governor of New Jersey.

Vendors/Organizations Updates

For organizations and vendors looking for exhibit details visit www.bernards.org

Don’t FORGET – Join the Bernards Township Day of Community Service and Pride on May 24th! Learn more…..