Bernards Twp. Charter Day Countdown
May 16, 2026
Bernards Township Charter Day 2026 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 12 PM. 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.”
Why We Celebrate Charter Day
Charter Day is commemorated on from the May 24, 1760 anniversary of the granting of a township Charter by King George II of England, establishing Bernardston Township. This act was a courtesy and an expression of appreciation for the services of Sir Francis Bernard, Royal Governor of New Jersey. From January 27, 1758, to July 4, 176,0 Sir Francis Bernard, son of a British Reverend, was appointed for two years as Royal Governor of New Jersey.
Video: Local high school students try to recite the entire Charter of Bernardston.
Charter Day is organized by the Bernards Township Recreation Department.
For organizations and vendors looking for exhibit details, visit www.bernards.org
Interactive Map – Charter Day
Just click on the map to zoom in or out, or to find parking areas.
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 since, except for a few cancellations due to weather and COVID-19. The original Charter of Bernardston was signed on May 24, 1760.
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