"Are there fireworks in Cape May on the 4th of July?"

Yes, Yes, Yes. July 4th, the show goes on - but from a distance. Cape May's pyrotechnic display has been moved out onto a barge 1/4 mile offshore.

The fireworks are sponsored, in part, by the good folks over at the historic Congress Hall Hotel.

Until 2004 when Congress Hall took over the event, Cape May hadn’t had a fireworks display since 1988. In 2004 however, they were shot from Congress Hall Beach.

Afterwards, Fire Chief Jerry Inderwies Jr. said he would oppose fireworks being shot from the shoreline. The problem has always been wind shift which occurs in the middle of the event. The wind shift last year sparked fears that the sparks might land on the Victorian buildings. So, bring in the barge.

Introducing the barge  doubled the cost of having the fireworks. See, this is the same thing that happened in 1988. At that time the merchants decided it was too much money and too many headaches. This time around, however, the sponsors of nearby Lower Township’s July 3^nd fireworks display, the Delaware River Bay Authority (DRBA), are offering to offset some of the cost in that both organizations are using the same barge company.

For this year's information, check CapeMay.com’s Events Calendar or the Congress Hall website. 

If you'll be bayside (North Cape May & Villas), look for fireworks after dark on July 3rd. Pick a spot on the beach. We recommend a chair or towel since the sand can be chilly after sunset! There are vendors galore and carnival rides, too. It's crowded, so expect to park and walk a couple blocks.