Jersey City’s 6th Annual Bergen Square Day will once again celebrate history and culture fon Saturday, September 13th from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I believe this event will further renew and re-establish the newly designed Bergen Square on the map and in the public consciousness as an important historical and cultural destination,” Museum of Jersey City History Board of Directors President, James Dievler, also one of the event’s principal organizer, said in a statement.
“The event will celebrate and feature our local talent and our extraordinarily diverse community.”
He is also the chair of the Journal Square Community Association History Committee.
The festival, hosted by The Journal Square Community Association and the Museum of Jersey City History, together with the Journal Square Special Improvement District and Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs, will take place at the intersection of Bergen Avenue and Academy Street.
Once the home of the indigenous Lenni Lenape people, the site became the first permanent European settlement in what is now New Jersey, founded by the Dutch in 1660.
Today, Bergen Square is a bustling community where residents, shoppers, commuters, students, and churchgoers alike come together to form an extraordinary, unique urban enclave.
Bergen Square has welcomed immigrants from around the world for centuries and now flourishes as the historical and cultural wellspring of Jersey City.
This family-friendly festival will feature activities and performances for all ages, including live bands, a deejay, dancing, tours of local historic sites, local food and merchant vendors.
Featured acts this year include jazz band The Spirit of Life Ensemble; music and dance performed by Surati Performing Arts, as well as George Hodnett’s Rhythm and Blues. Local Jersey City DJ Deejay Khadi will also be spinning Afro Beats and family-friendly party pop on the main stage throughout the day.
The Museum of Jersey City History at the Apple Tree House, located at 298 Academy St., will be open throughout the day. History walking tours of Bergen Square will leave from the museum.
“The Journal Square Restoration Corporation is committed to creating clean, safe and active public spaces for Journal Square shoppers, business owners, and residents,” added Journal Square Special Improvement District Administrator Chris Bernardo.
“We’re proud to partner with the Journal Square Community Association, Bergen Square Historical Society and Jersey City’s Office of Cultural Affairs to underscore the rich history of Journal Square, as we work together to build a great future for current and future stakeholders.”
