Cranbury has its Fourth party on the Fifth (with multiple photos)

By Mike Morsch, Executive editor
In the days leading up to Cranbury’s annual Fifth of July celebration, Mayor Dan Mulligan heard from many folks that they were planning on attending the fireworks show at Village Park.
As the mayor, that’s good for Mr. Mulligan to hear. Certainly he and the town’s movers and shakers want to put on a good holiday show for the local residents and any others who may be visiting.
“Most tell me they look forward to Cranbury’s July 5th celebration as it’s a great way to wrap up the overall Independence Day celebration for the year,” said Mayor Mulligan.
The township has traditionally held its Fourth of July event the day after the official holiday. According to the mayor, one of the reasons has to do with cost.
“Our cost is lower than the cost for having fireworks on July 4 or the days leading up to the Fourth of July. Thus, we get more bang for our taxpayers’ buck,” deadpanned the mayor.
International Fireworks Manufacturing produced this year’s fireworks show, which cost the township $8,000.
According to police estimates, Cranbury had between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors for the 2016 celebration, which includes people on the streets and in the park. That number does not include visitors to the homes of local residents of Cranbury.
Mayor Mulligan cited the work and support of various groups, including Cranbury Public Works, Cranbury Fire Department, Cranbury Board of Recreation, Cranbury Parks Commission, Cranbury Police and others.
Among the civic duties of the mayor is to be a cheerleader for the community, and Mayor Mulligan didn’t shirk that responsibility.
“The Cranbury Fifth of July celebration of our country’s independence is yet another event in town that brings our community together and is once again one of those things that I always say make Cranbury the special town it is,” he said.