Thousands of Warren County residents celebrated their county’s 200^th birthday on Saturday, June 28 with a day-long event that culminated in a grand fireworks display.

Held the Washington Township campus of Warren Community College, the Warren County Bicentennial Celebration featured two music stages; food trucks; a beverage garden that included beer and wine from Warren County breweries and wineries; rides and other amusement for kids; and craft vendors, as well as informational displays from County and state government agencies and area nonprofits; antique tractors; fire trucks; County vehicles; and hot air balloons.

“The success of our Bicentennial Celebration is a tribute to the people who make Warren County a place we can proudly call home,” said Warren County Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski.

“I want to give a huge thanks to the county staff, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the Bicentennial Celebration possible,” Sarnoski continued, adding, “Their dedication and hard work delivered a beautiful day to spend with friends, family, and neighbors while celebrating our past and looking forward to the future.”

Warren County was created by legislation passed on November 20, 1824 by the New Jersey Legislature, which carved off the southern portion of Sussex County into a new entity, named for Dr. Joseph Warren of Boston, one of the early advocates for independence from Great Britain. The initial legislation set the general boundaries for the new county, which came into existence in 1825 with the exact delineation of the border and the election and seating of its first Board of Chosen Freeholders.

The 1825 founding was 50 years after Warren was killed in the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Commissioned a general just days before the battle, Warren instead chose to fight as a private and his actions in the independence movement as well as his death in battle made him a revered figure in the early days of the United States.

Warren County, NJ is among 14 counties and numerous municipalities named for Joseph Warren.

Saturday’s celebration kicked off with a ceremony featuring a special “cry” by Town Crier William Joseph of Belvidere and the National Anthem sung by Caleb Dean, a Warren County Roads Division employee. Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio and Assemblyman Erik Peterson of the 23^rd Legislative District presented a Joint Legislative Resolution from the 23^rd and 24^th District legislators congratulating the County on its bicentennial and paying tribute “to its residents and all those who have contributed to the County’s success since its inception.”

Later in the day, a ceremony included remarks from Warren Community College President Dr. Will Austin, welcoming the event to the campus, and from former Freeholders Christopher Maier, Edward Smith, and Richard D. Gardner. Also speaking was Frank Seney, son of former Freeholder Frank Seney, who read a letter his father sent from his home in Florida.

“In 1968, I had the privilege of being elected the youngest freeholder in Warren County history. Fast forward 57 years, and now, I proudly hold the title of the oldest living freeholder,” the elder Seney wrote.

“The Bicentennial Celebration was a beautiful reflection of what makes Warren County so special: love of the community and a great sense of pride,” said Commissioner Lori Ciesla, who is liaison to the Warren County Bicentennial, Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time, talent, and energy over the past several years, months, and days to bring this party to life. Their dedication to our county created a joyful and unforgettable experience that brought us together for a true celebration of community. This milestone was extraordinary because of them and everyone who attended to commemorate our 200^th,” Ciesla said.

Commissioner James R. Kern III remarked, “This weekend’s bicentennial celebration was enjoyed by thousands and brought together the very best of Warren County. It was a powerful reminder of the history we cherish, the communities we are proud to call our own, and the shared values that continue to make this county a remarkable place to live, work, and explore.”

More information about Warren County’s bicentennial can be found at www.Warren200.com, including photos of Saturday’s event.