Mount Holly cancels Fourth of July celebration over safety concerns

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (WPVI) -- A longtime Fourth of July celebration in Mount Holly will not take place this year, with officials citing safety concerns and the cost of providing adequate security.

The annual event, which typically features food, vendors, entertainment and fireworks, was canceled after what public safety officials described as a recent string of large gatherings that have gotten out of control.

Through Mount Holly's downtown, signs of patriotic pride remain as communities mark America's 250th anniversary. But the absence of the local celebration has left some residents disappointed.

"It is a big year and everyone was looking forward to celebrating," said Ola Glover of Delran.

The township announced the cancellation last week, pointing to concerns about maintaining safety during large-scale events and the financial burden of heightened security measures.

Residents across the area say the decision is a difficult one.

"Kind of upset. Heartbroken about it. Because this is the only one around the area. If not, we have to travel," said Debra Kalihiokalani of Westampton.

Others echoed that sentiment, noting the significance of this year's milestone.

"It's the 250th anniversary and they canceled it for that? It's a shame," said Eric Weiner of Westampton.

The cancellation follows a series of incidents at regional carnivals and festivals where large groups of juveniles became disorderly, including an event in Maple Shade in May.

Other communities have also scaled back or eliminated events.

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Gloucester Township Day, typically held in June, has not returned since an incident two years ago prompted local officials to rethink safety measures.

"After the incident in 2024, we passed a local ordinance that held the parents responsible for their juvenile," said Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer.

Mayer said communities are increasingly looking beyond legislation to reconsider how events are planned and managed.

"Looking at maybe a different venue? A different place in our town. This park here where the incident happened is very wide open. And it's hard to control access to this area," he said.

Mount Holly is not alone in canceling events this year. Millville's Fourth of July parade has also been called off, though its mayor said that decision was due to a lack of participants rather than security concerns.

In Mount Holly, the local police union said it hopes to explore alternative ways to safely hold the celebration in the future, following incidents during last year's fireworks.

Attempts to reach Mount Holly's mayor for comment were unsuccessful.