Mount Holly, NJ cancels 2026 Independence Day celebration citing security concerns

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A town in Burlington County has canceled its 2026 Independence Day Celebration, citing rising security concerns and insufficient time to implement adequate safety measures.

Mount Holly township leaders announced the cancellation on Tuesday.

They said they have spent months monitoring events across New Jersey, noting both cancellations prompted by violence and communities that continued festivities only after adopting heightened security protocols.

A carnival in Maple Shade, New Jersey, was canceled after chaos erupted at the event in May.

RELATED: Chaos at Maple Shade carnival forces early shutdown, cancels final night

The St. Mary of the Lakes Carnival and Music Fest beefed up security at this year's event after a large group of kids disrupted the atmosphere last year.

"With our spectators' and vendors' safety top of mind, we could not enact a viable, actionable solution in such a short period of time to alleviate our security concerns without incurring additional, significant costs to the Township and our residents," officials said in a joint statement with the Mount Holly Township Police Department.

The township said the decision was made reluctantly and acknowledged the disappointment it may cause.

Officials also thanked residents and supporters who have participated in the annual celebration over the years.

No alternative event was announced.