The Medford Township Council is pleased to announce that it will again offer its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3^rd, 2009. One of the largest celebrations in Burlington County, over 40,000 area residents are expected to gather for the festivities at Freedom Park, located at 86 Union Street. (at Jones Road one block south of Route 70)

The festivities will begin at 6:00 pm with moonbounce-type inflatables for the kids. At 7:00 pm, the renowned “All About Me” band returns to perform on our main stage performing a variety of pop tunes from the 50’s to today’s hits that will delight young and old alike. (www.allaboutmelive.com)

Also this year, the Township Council is proud to announce that the newly formed “Medford Returning Veterans Committee” is planning an unprecedented welcome home event for several recently returned Veterans that have served our community in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This event will take place beginning at 6:00 pm on the Main Stage. The Township Council formed this Committee in early 2009 in order to welcome returning veterans to the local Medford area community, and to sponsor local homecoming events to celebrate and honor their service. Committee members appointed by the Council include Chair Nino DePasquale, Michael Panarella, Jim Ewan, Dottie Spellman and Col. Joseph Bartasius. Mayor David Brown and Deputy Mayor Bob Martin serve as Council liaisons to this Committee.

As a part of the July 3^rd ceremonies, there will be an honor escort for the veterans into Freedom Park, including uniformed Medford Fire Dept personnel, Medford Police Dept support, and Warriors Watch Motorcycle Riders. The veterans will be honored and acknowledged by the Township Council and other special guests at the event. The Township Council is asking residents to please show their support for these heroes, who because of their courage and commitment have allowed us to enjoy our lives in this great country and in our special Medford community.

The Independence Day festivities will also include vendors providing refreshments, beverages, cold treats and trinkets. At dusk, we will shoot our biggest fireworks display yet produced by the Schaefer Fireworks of Ronks, Pennsylvania. (www.schaferfireworks.com)

The festivities, veterans ceremony, and fireworks presentation are free. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets and start the holiday celebrations with a bang!

Due to the logistics involved in preparing Freedom Park for the festivities, the off-leash dog run will be closed all day and and the main parking lot will be closed to the public at 2:00 pm. In the event of rain, the concert and fireworks display will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 5^th.

Parking and traffic restrictions will also be in place during this event. Look for specific information after June 29th on Medford’s official website at www.medfordtownship.com or contact the Medford Recreation Department at (609) 654-2512.

CONTACT: Beth Portocalis (609) 654-2512

For information & photos for the "All About Me" band, visit www.allaboutmelive.com

For information & photos for Schaefer Fireworks, visit www.schaeferfireworks.com