Scotch Plains Concludes Revolution 250 Weekend with Fireworks Spectacular (VIDEO)

Scotch Plains Marks America's 250th With Fireworks at Shady Rest

Thousands of Scotch Plains residents spread lawn chairs and blankets across the grounds of Shady Rest Golf and Country Club on Saturday night, settling in for fireworks over a course that has carried its own piece of American history for more than a century.

The gathering at 820 Jerusalem Road closed out a two-day Revolution 250 celebration that Union County Life has been following across Union County this year. It drew residents of all ages to one of the township's most storied landmarks for live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display timed to mark the nation's 250th birthday.

The evening began at 5 p.m. Performances by the JB Barns Jazz Band and Glen Alexander and Shadowland followed at around 6:30, with Preserve Shady Rest — the nonprofit dedicated to supporting and preserving the club's history — sponsoring the live music. Fireworks rose at dusk.

Saturday was the second night of the weekend. Friday's events took place at the Alan M. Augustine Village Green in downtown Scotch Plains, where a wreath-laying ceremony at Scotch Plains Baptist Church opened the evening. The church cemetery holds the graves of soldiers and patriots from the Revolutionary War. From there, a parade moved down Park Avenue led by historical interpreter John Koopman portraying General George Washington, joined by fife and drum corps, Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution members, and local officials.

Shady Rest brought its own layered meaning to the weekend. Founded in 1921 as one of the first golf clubs in the country open to Black members, the club sits at a crossroads of American stories. On Saturday, it hosted another one.

Mayor Josh Losardo, who has championed the township's Revolution 250 programming since the council passed a resolution joining RevolutionNJ in 2023, spoke at Friday's ceremony.

"This Revolution 250 anniversary belongs to all of us," Losardo said. "It is a moment to set aside what divides us and celebrate the shared heritage that unites us: a belief in freedom, in self-government, and in the dignity of every person."

The weekend was organized by the Scotch Plains Revolution 250 Committee, chaired by Tom Strowe, with support from Stage House Tavern, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Preserve Shady Rest, RevolutionNJ, and dozens of local civic groups and volunteers.

Find more Scotch Plains events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

What was the Scotch Plains Revolution 250 celebration?
Scotch Plains held a two-day event June 26 and 27, 2026, to mark America's 250th anniversary. Friday's events were held at the Alan M. Augustine Village Green and included a parade, wreath-laying ceremony, and colonial demonstrations. Saturday's events moved to Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, featuring live music from 5 p.m. and a fireworks display at dusk.

Why was Shady Rest Golf and Country Club chosen for the fireworks?
Shady Rest has been the site of Scotch Plains' fireworks for years and holds significant local history as one of the first golf clubs in the country to open its membership to Black golfers. Founded in 1921, the club is supported by Preserve Shady Rest, the nonprofit that sponsored Saturday's live music programming.

Who performed at the Shady Rest fireworks event?
The JB Barns Jazz Band performed during the early evening, followed by Glen Alexander and Shadowland starting around 6:30 p.m. Both performances were sponsored by Preserve Shady Rest.

What is RevolutionNJ and how is Scotch Plains involved?
RevolutionNJ is a statewide initiative organized by the New Jersey Historical Commission and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution. It coordinates local commemorations of the American Revolution's 250th anniversary across New Jersey. The Scotch Plains Township Council passed a resolution in 2023 to become an official RevolutionNJ community.