Fireworks will not light up the sky this Fourth of July in one New Jersey town after a series of incidents involving teens fighting at recent community events led officials to cancel the display.
The 2026 Mount Holly Township Independence Day Celebration in Burlington County will not happen this year despite America’s 250th anniversary, the township and police department announced in a joint statement Monday.
“This decision was not made lightly – over the past few months, we have been meticulously monitoring local and regional events throughout New Jersey, assessing which events have been cancelled due to alarming violence, as well as those communities that have continued their events with significantly increased security measures and protocol put into place,” the statement read.
Last year’s free event featured live music, food and drink vendors, and carnival rides and games. However, following at least three violent incidents in Burlington County since last month, officials say they are taking no chances this year, keeping the safety of spectators and vendors their top priority.
“We understand the disappointment this decision may cause and extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who have supported this event over the years,” The Mount Holly officials’ statement read about the July 4 cancellation.
In one case, on May 1, a large group of teenagers disrupted the Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival, forcing organizers to cancel the second day of the event and causing fundraising setbacks for the team, according to Fox 29.
About two weeks later, officials in Medford boosted security for its Saint Mary of the Lakes Carnival and Music Fest, bringing in outside agencies, setting crowd limits, restricting entrances and using drones to help manage safety.
Shortly after, multiple fights broke out during the opening night of the Roebling Carnival in Florence Township on May 27, leading to the cancellation of the remaining nights of the event.
Police said officers were overwhelmed while trying to restore order, resulting in the arrest of four teenage girls, ages 14 to 16, and a 20-year-old. One officer was injured during the response and treated at a local hospital. All five were charged with disorderly conduct. Additional charges included obstruction and failure to disperse for a 14-year-old and resisting arrest for a 16-year-old.
“Given the issues at these types of events both locally and across the region and the speed in which they can escalate into large fights, unruly behavior, and/or destruction of property, Township officials and the Police Department have determined this is necessary to ensure public safety,” Florence Township Police said at the time.
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