Union County's Colonial Family Fun Day Canceled Due to Air Quality Concerns

Union County has canceled "Colonial Family Fun Day," which had been scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights. The cancellation was announced on the county's Facebook page and is attributed to air quality concerns.

"After several consultations and careful consideration of the air quality concerns and weather forecast, we have decided, out of an abundance of caution, to cancel tomorrow's Colonial Family Fun Day," Union County stated in the announcement.

Union County is under an air quality alert until Saturday at midnight due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The alert affects Union County residents, particularly sensitive individuals including those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, and children.

The event was scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Deserted Village of Feltville at 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

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The canceled event was to feature Revolutionary War-era re-enactors, a lace-making demonstration, information displays, and discussions about Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Short Hills. An exhibit on Lenape life and culture was planned, along with games and activities for children.

The event was part of Union County's broader celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek had noted that the event was designed to bring local Revolutionary War history to life and highlight the region's important role in the nation's founding.

Union County is rescheduling other 250th anniversary events. Upcoming events include Music in the Garden on August 7 in Union, a Colonial Beer Making Class on October 10 in Union, New Jersey Militia in the Revolutionary War on October 22 in New Providence, and The American Revolution in Elizabeth and Vicinity on November 10 in New Providence.

More information about the 250th anniversary celebration and rescheduled events can be found on the Union County website at ucnj.org/250-Anniversary.

Residents looking for updates on whether Colonial Family Fun Day will be rescheduled should monitor Union County announcements and the county website.

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FAQ

Q: Why was Colonial Family Fun Day canceled?
A: Union County canceled the event due to air quality concerns from smoke caused by Canadian wildfires. The county considered air quality forecasts and weather conditions and decided to cancel out of an abundance of caution for public health and safety.

Q: When was Colonial Family Fun Day scheduled?
A: The event was scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Deserted Village of Feltville at 13 Cataract Hollow Road in Berkeley Heights.

Q: What was planned for Colonial Family Fun Day?
A: The event was to feature Revolutionary War-era re-enactors, a lace-making demonstration, information displays, discussions about Revolutionary War battles including the Battle of Short Hills, an exhibit on Lenape life and culture, and games and activities for children.

Q: Why is Union County under an air quality alert?
A: Over 800 wildfires burning across Canada are drifting smoke into New Jersey and the Northeast. The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for Union County and surrounding counties through midnight Saturday, July 18, due to fine particulates reaching unhealthy levels.

Q: Will Colonial Family Fun Day be rescheduled?
A: Union County has not announced a rescheduled date. Residents should monitor the Union County website and social media for updates on whether the event will be rescheduled.

Q: What other 250th anniversary events is Union County hosting?
A: Upcoming events include Music in the Garden on August 7 in Union, a Colonial Beer Making Class on October 10 in Union, New Jersey Militia in the Revolutionary War on October 22 in New Providence, and The American Revolution in Elizabeth and Vicinity on November 10 in New Providence.

Q: Where can I find more information about Union County's 250th anniversary celebration?
A: Visit ucnj.org/250-Anniversary for details about all 250th anniversary events, activities, and programs across Union County.

Q: How is air quality affecting other Union County events?
A: Union County residents should check with their local municipalities about whether other outdoor events scheduled for July 18 have been affected by air quality concerns.