(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the County Parks Department have announced that the County of Bergen has partnered with the New Jersey Wind Symphony to bring a new special event to Overpeck County Park this 4th of July.
Building upon the New Jersey Wind Symphony’s successful “Pop Goes the 4th” event in Overpeck County Park last year which featured a performance of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with live artillery from two Howitzer cannons, this July 4th, Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony will offer residents a festive afternoon of entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
In addition to the New Jersey Wind Symphony, the evening will feature performances from performing artists including Leslie Mendelson, Jake Thistle, and Kristen Plumley, as well as an afternoon pre-show showcasing local acts from neighboring towns including Leonia, Ridgefield Park, and Teaneck.
“The County is thrilled to announce our partnership with the New Jersey Wind Symphony for this spectacular new event at Overpeck County Park,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Not only are we welcoming the return of fireworks to Overpeck County Park, but we are also setting the stage as we build towards the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 2026. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and bring the whole family to witness Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony this 4th of July as we celebrate our nation’s history together.”
“We are profoundly grateful to Bergen County for their partnership in bringing the 4th of July concert and fireworks to Overpeck County Park and allowing us to build upon last year’s wonderful concert,” said Chris Wilhjelm, Music Director for the New Jersey Wind Symphony. “It is our honor at the New Jersey Wind Symphony to perform once again in Overpeck County Park on the 4th of July in celebration of our nation's founding and we look forward to making the Star-Spangled Spectacular a memorable event that uplifts the spirit of our community and ignites the joy of Independence Day."
"I'm proud to see Bergen County partnering with the New Jersey Wind Symphony to bring this exhilarating event to Overpeck County Park as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Commissioner Steven Tanelli. “This collaboration not only enhances our Fourth of July festivities but also underscores our commitment to providing memorable experiences for our residents and visitors.”
Pre-show performances and festivities for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular featuring the New Jersey Wind Symphony will start on July 4th at 5:00pm. The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform at 7:30pm. For event updates and additional performance announcements, follow the Bergen County Parks System on Facebook and Instagram.
The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform a dress rehearsal on July 3rd that will be open to the public without the booming special effects from the cannons and fireworks. A rain date for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is scheduled for July 5th in the event poor weather.
Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is an official event of Bergen250, an initiative spearheaded by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs within the Bergen County Department of Parks to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture.
Bergen 250 is the County of Bergen’s official ad hoc committee tasked with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture. Through the joint efforts of Bergen County’s historic sites, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, and local businesses, the county seeks to advance the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism, and scholarship in New Jersey. The initiative was formally codified by the County Board of Commissioners by resolution on January 17, 2024. The committee strives to promote the maximum involvement of Bergen County residents, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, historical and civic organizations, and institutions in the commemorations.
Founded in 1983 as the Ridgewood Concert Band, the New Jersey Wind Symphony (NJWS) strives to promote wind music and adult bands to the surrounding community and beyond by providing high quality performances that engage and inspire all our listeners. NJWS members are accomplished wind and percussion players, with day jobs ranging from lawyer to band director, who volunteer their time and talents.
NJWS programs have drawn critical attention for their variety and depth - ranging from light classics and famous marches, to cutting edge new compositions by today’s brilliant composers. The NJWS is regularly joined by soloists from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and other nationally renowned performers and conductors. The NJWS has released multiple albums, has performed on the East Coast and overseas, and is actively engaged with area schools and young musicians.
