"Where liberty dwells, there is my country." - Benjamin Franklin

We're high stepping into July like this chicken wearing a tutu! Our patriotic feathered friend looks like she's getting a jump on celebrating Independence Day, perhaps strutting to North Warren on July 3 for its annual fireworks display, followed by a gathering the next day at Blairstown Fourth at Footbridge Park for an old-fashioned July 4th celebration! Or maybe she'll be marching in the Washington Celebrates America 250th parade, the keystone of Washington Borough's daylong Independence Day festivities that include an orange crate derby, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk.

There's also a July 4 fishing tournament at Merrill Creek, a boat parade on Mountain Lake, and the holiday weekend provides a great excuse to visit stops along the Warren County Grains & Grapes Trail, where you are bound to experience something new!

History enthusiasts may want to visit Shippen Manor - they have a special presentation scheduled on “Sanitation & the Continental Army” - and/or The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park on July 5.

Next week kicks off performances of The Wedding Singer at Centenary Stage Company, and you can enter to win a pair of tickets to this (or another Summerfest) show! Interested? Email Tourism@co.warren.nj.us with "Showtime" in the subject line and include your name and phone number. Good luck!

A Veterans Recognition Ceremony will be held at the War Memorial in Belvidere on July 11, and there will also be "A Grateful Summer" Music and Arts Festival at Czig Meister Brewing Co. that day.

Free summer concert series continue throughout the county (scroll down to "Entertainment" for details), and there are some major happenings on the horizon in the second half of July, so keep reading and mark your calendars!

Happy Independence Day, Happy 250th Birthday to America, and Happy Wanderings!