• All are invited to join community members on July 4 at 9 a.m. in Pete Sensi Park, Main Street, Allentown, for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event will replicate the way in which the declaration was introduced to the public in 1776 – by public proclamation. The Allentown mill, across from the park, was an active supporter of the Revolution, supplying grain to Boston during the British blockade of that city. To volunteer to be a reader, call the McCormicks at 609-208-9991.
• The Monmouth County Fair will be held at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, from July 25-27, 5-11 p.m., July 28, 3-11 p.m., and July 29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, home and garden competitions, opening night fireworks, and more. Admission is $8 per person; age 12 and under enter free.
• A yard sale fundraiser will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 30 (rain or shine) at 24 Baird Road, Millstone Township. Proceeds will support the Thomas Baird Homestead Cultural Resource Center and Agricultural Museum in Millstone Township.
• Look at what’s been found and discover what stories may be unearthed during “Digging Up History,” July 14-15 from 10 a.m. to noon at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township. This is a free activity sponsored by the Monmouth County Park System.
• Try the Monmouth County Park System’s 25-foot tall portable climbing wall from noon to 4 p.m. July 14 at the Clayton Park Activity Center, Upper Freehold Township. Climbers must be 42 inches or taller and age 8 or older (under 18 with adult). This is a free activity.
• Mill demonstrations at Historic Walnford, Walnford Road, Upper Freehold Township, will be offered on July 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 1-4 p.m. See the 19th century gristmill in action. The activity is free.
• The Upper Freehold-Allentown Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse will present Car Show 2018 at 5:30 p.m. June 27 at the Roost at the Cream Ridge Golf Course, 181 Route 539, Cream Ridge. All makes and models of cars are welcome. There will be door prizes, judging and awards. Music, food, beverages. All are welcome to attend. No entry fee, donations welcome. Details: Debbie Minnick, 609-758-7738, ext. 230.
• The Heart of New Jersey Chorus invites women of all ages to “Christmas in July.” Women are invited to join the chorus members as they learn new holiday music. A holiday show will be performed on Dec. 9. The chorus rehearses at the Millstone Township Primary School, 18 Schoolhouse Road, Millstone Township. Details: 732-446-9782.
• The first Allentown Flogatta will take place from 1-4 p.m. July 7 at Pete Sensi Park. The free event is sponsored by the Economic Development Commission. Participants are encouraged to decorate their rowboat, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or anything that floats that does not have a motor. Prizes for the most creative and most patriotic watercraft. Age groups: Youths, ages 3-12 (all youth participants must have a parent on board); Teens, ages 13-17; and Adults, 18 and over. Everyone must wear a personal flotation device. Schedule: 1 p.m., registration, pre-registered participant check-in, boat launch; 2 p.m., Flogatta parade, judging and awards ceremony immediately following. Registration will be accepted on the day of the event.
• The Monmouth County Genealogy Society invites the public to enjoy “Someone Must Wash the Dishes,” an anti-suffrage satire written in 1912 and performed by professional actress Michele LaRue at 2:30 p.m. during the July 8 meeting of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society at the Community Center, 72 Broad St., Eatontown. The program is part of the genealogy society’s 30th anniversary celebration. Details: 732-747-0090.
• The Italian American Association of Monmouth County will host an Italian culture enrichment camp from July 23 to Aug. 3 (Monday-Friday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (included-lunch made by camper on premises) at the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main St., Freehold. Cost per camper: $250 for child/grandchild of current IAA members; $300 for non-members. Age groups: 5 years old to teenagers. Activities: Italian language lessons, Italian crafts, Italian games, Bocce, Scopa, Tombola, cooking lessons and more. Details: Cheryl Scuorzo, 732-536-5832 or www.iaaofmc.com and click on Events/Meetings.
• The Allentown Public Library has announced that the Allentown afghans, which were created and sold by the Women’s Association of Allentown, are now available for the first time since 2008. The afghans were designed by Joanne Tourine and show nine historic structures, including the Imlay Mansion, Gov. Newell’s home, the Presbyterian Church, Abel Cafferty’s Mill house and the iconic mill and the Allentown Baptist Church that is now home to the library. The afghans are available in hunter green, cranberry and colonial blue. They are available for purchase at the library, 16 S. Main Street. All proceeds benefit the Allentown Public Library Association in support of the library building.
• New Jersey Blood Services is in need of volunteers to work blood drives in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Tasks include assisting donors with registration, watching donors for post-donation reactions and responding to their needs. Details: Jan Zepka, 732-616-8741.
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 74, Freehold, will meet at 7 p.m. July xx at the American Legion, 62 W. Main St. Freehold. Chapter members, DAV members-at-large who are seeking a chapter and veterans with disabilities who are seeking assistance and advice are welcome to attend the meeting. Dinner of pizza and subs is provided.
Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@njexaminer.com. Please submit items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.
