Union County To Celebrate America 250 With Vintage Baseball, Cars And Music

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Union County will host its America’s 250th Anniversary event on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Meisel Field.

The free day will feature vintage baseball, live music, a car show and food vendors.

The event, titled Union County: American as Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, Autos, and Music, will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 278 Meisel Ave.

At the center of the program is a vintage baseball exhibition featuring the 1859 Hoboken Base Ball Club and the Elizabeth Resolutes.

From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., the teams will play in authentic 19th-century uniforms and use the original rules of the game, showcasing how baseball was played more than 150 years ago.

"Baseball is not only deeply rooted in Union County’s heritage; it is a part of America’s cultural identity. This event honors that history through these two outstanding teams, bridging our past and present, and offering a wonderful opportunity for some of our residents to reminisce while introducing new generations to the joys of baseball," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "I invite you to join us for a relaxing day outdoors, enjoying some ballpark favorites, and celebrating the spirit of vintage baseball. I hope to see you all there."

The event will begin with a car show hosted by the Galloping Hill Cruisers, a nonprofit founded in 1988.

The vehicle display will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Westfield Community Concert Band will perform from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

According to the announcement, the band is one of the oldest community bands in the United States.

Guests will also find hot dog and ice cream vendors on-site throughout the event.

One free mini apple pie per guest will be distributed to the first 750 guests, courtesy of Bimbo Bakery/Entenmann’s.

"As we continue breathing life into our history and honoring our roots, it’s important to showcase the origins of sports like baseball. Even then, they were a staple of daily life, bringing traditions, aspirations, and joy to our ancestors," said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, chair of the Union County America 250 Committee and liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Advisory Board. "One of our goals with history programs like this is that our residents return home with not only new memories, but also a renewed sense of pride in living in a county with a rich history like ours."

The program is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and is funded through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, residents can call 908-558-2550 or visit ucnj.org/250.

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