#btchartday is ON! Rain or Shine
Bernards Twp. 2025 Charter Day starts in
Get ready for a fun-filled street fair and festival in Historic Basking Ridge Village on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Weather Forecast
Stop by the Mr. Local History Project Booth #91 on Henry Street just outside the Washington House!
- Get an 1873 map of the Basking Ridge Village (donation)
- Purchase an official Bernards Township 3×5′ house flag (minimal supplies).
- Learn about Project Local History Ambassador and 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
Learn about our Basking Ridge Flags for students called “Project Local Ambassador.” Check out the historic keepsakes from the New Jersey Historic Village Collection and more.
#btcharterday on Social Media
Make your history in 2025 by bringing your camera or smartphone and posting pictures of your friends, kids, pets, 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 history!
ADD #btcharterday to your Instagram or Facebook post!
Street Fair Details
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.
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 on May 20, 1995, and has run every year except for a few weather and COVID-19 cancellations. The original Charter of Bernardston was signed on May 24, 1760.
- 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 be offered by local bands and organizations.
- Live entertainment includes musical and dance performances, demonstrations, strolling magicians, and more.
Make your own history in 2023 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 (see the online album below). Make your own history!
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 King George II of England granting a township charter, establishing Bernardston Township. This act was 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.
Vendor/Organization Updates
For organizations and vendors looking for exhibit details, visit www.bernards.org
