By Anne Levin

With July 4 falling on a Thursday this year, celebrations of the holiday are being stretched into something more substantial than the traditional three-day weekend. In fact, the lead-up to Independence Day has been building, both locally and beyond, since Juneteenth observances were held a few weeks ago.

From fireworks in Skillman on Thursday, June 26 to a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Trenton on Monday, July 8 — the site, day, and time where it was first read in 1776 — there are many opportunities to celebrate the anniversary of the American colonies’ official separation from Great Britain 248 years ago.

But the focus is July 4. In Princeton, the biggest celebration that day is at Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, where the annual Fourth of July Jubilee will feature activities connecting history and civic engagement. It was Morven, after all, that hosted delegates of the Continental Congress. The historic house was also home to Richard Stockton, one of the Declaration’s signers, and later served as New Jersey’s first governor’s mansion.

The festival, from 12 to 3 p.m., includes crafts, tours of Morven’s gardens, live music by Vintage Vibe Tribe, and food trucks from Oink & Moo BBQ, Kona Ice, and The Empanada Guy. Face-painting and a unique opportunity to “sign” the Declaration of Independence are also scheduled. Admission to the outdoor festival is free, and visitors can purchase half-price tickets to tour the museum’s current exhibition, “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home.” This is a good weather event only. Visit morven.org for updates.

Early American cooking is a theme at the annual Fourth of July event being held from 1-5 p.m. at the Johnson Ferry House in Washington Crossing State Park (New Jersey side). So are readings of the Declaration, tours of the house and garden by guides in period clothing, Colonial tutors, and quill pen writing. Kids can help make ice cream using recipes from the late 18th century. All of this is free, but donations are welcome. Call (609) 737-2515 for more information.

Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pa., is providing food, games, crafts, entertainment, and live music from 12-4 p.m. on its expansive grounds. Highlights include a decorated bike parade, wheelbarrow and sack races, tug-of-war, antique bicycles, and historic town ball, which is a precursor to baseball. Fonthill is at 525 East Court Street. Admission is $5 adults, $1 for ages 6-17, and free for those under 5. Call (609) 345-0210 for more information.

Nearby in New Hope’s Peddler’s Village, the Red, White and Blueberries BBQ Bash is scheduled from July 4-7. Look for live music, family-friendly entertainment, pony rides, ax-throwing, and lots of food each day. For details, visit peddlersvillage.com.

In Philadelphia, activities are ongoing from June 27 to July 4. Celebratory locations include the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, National Liberty Museum, The Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. A gospel show is planned for Independence Historic Park, and there is a block party being held at the Avenue of the Arts (South Broad Street). A parade will take place July 4, from Market and South Second Street to City Hall. For exact times, dates, and details, check visitphilly.co.

Trenton played a significant role in the fight for independence, not least of which the first public reading of the Declaration on July 8, 1776. To commemorate the historic event, the document will be read aloud on Monday, July 8 at 12 p.m., in front of what was then the Hunterdon County Courthouse at 23 South Warren Street. Reading portions, as well as the names of all of the signers from the original 13 colonies, are several civic leaders including Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora.

Of course, there are fireworks displays. Locations include:

• Montgomery Township: On the front lawn of Montgomery High School, 1016 Route 601, on Thursday, June 27 starting at 6 p.m. with food trucks, games, giveaways, and music. Montgomeryrecreation.com.
• Lawrence Township: At Rider University, Route 206, on Friday, June 28 starting at 6 p.m. with food trucks, a live band, and activities for kids. The fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. The raindate is June 29. Lawrencetwp.com.
• Philadelphia: Set off from the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, over the Delaware River, on Saturday, June 29 from 7-10 p.m. Visitphilly.com.
• South Brunswick: At Crossroads Middle School, 195 Major Road, on Monday, July 1 starting at 6 p.m. The fireworks begin around 8:45 p.m. Rain date is July 2. Southbrunswicknj.gov.
• Ewing: On the soccer field at The College of New Jersey, Green Lane, on Wednesday, July 3 starting at 6 p.m. with rides, face-painting, sand art, a balloon man, a dunk tank, a DJ, reenactors, and food. Ewingnj.org.
• Trenton: At the Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Route 29, on Thursday, July 4 following the 7 p.m. baseball game against Frederick Keys of Frederick, Md.
• East Brunswick: At the Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road, on July 4 starting at 6 p.m. with food trucks, a DJ, and entertainment for kids. Eastbrunswick.org/724/July-4th.
• East Windsor: At Etra Lake Park, Disbrow Hill Road, on Saturday, July 6. East-windsor.nj.us.
• Philadelphia: Over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Thursday, July 4, starting with a concert at 7 p.m. featuring NE-YO and Kesha. Visitphilly.com.