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With local parades, parties and pyrotechnics shows planned, the Shore area is geared up to celebrate the birth of our nation. Below is a list of local events scheduled, which kick off tonight in Ocean Township. So go bust out the red, white and blue duds, heat up the grill, and take in a local fireworks display. Happy birthday, America.

ASBURY PARK

The city of Asbury Park will hold its annual fireworks display on July 4 at 9 p.m at Second and Fourth avenues, with a third display on the Third Avenue Beach during the finale. This year, the display had to be adjusted because of Hurricane Sandy’s effect on the beaches, said Tom Gilmour, special events coordinator for the city.

The size of the fireworks shells used depends on the size of the perimeter, according to Gilmour.

“The magnitude of this year’s show is adjusted because the beaches are thinner,” he said.

Because of this, smaller shells will be used in the display that launches from the Third Avenue Beach, he said.

The event is sponsored by The City of Asbury Park, iStar Residential, and Madison Marquette. The rain date for the event is July 5.

As part of their Thursday Night Concert Series, The Asbury Park Concert Band will play a patriotic-themed show starting at 4:30 p.m., July 4, on the boardwalk next to Tim McLoone’s Asbury Grill.

BRADLEY BEACH

The borough is holding a fireworks display on July 4th at the Fifth Avenue Beach starting at dusk. The rain date is July 5th.

OCEAN

Starting at 6 p.m. on July 3, Ocean Township will throw a picnic party for its residents, including a DJ, food and drinks. The event is BYOB and will take place at Joe Palaia Park, on the corner of Whalepond and Deal roads. Fireworks will go off at 9:30 p.m. The high school soccer team will sell ice cream and ice pops, the lacrosse team will sell drinks, and the Ocean Township Hockey Team will sell roasted corn and hot dogs. Hamburgers, pizza and more will be available. No pets are allowed. The rain date for the event is July 5.

OCEAN GROVE

The borough is holding its annual Independence Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. It will include bands, floats, civic organizations, local politicians and more. This year the parade will honor Cavalry Chapel Relief the parade’s Grand Marshals. The parade begins on Whitefield Avenue, turns east along Main Avenue to Central Avenue, and turns north toward Ocean Pathway before heading eastward again and ending along Ocean Avenue. The parade takes place rain or shine.

Ocean Grove will also host an Independence Day concert featuring “I Love New York Brass”, a brass ensemble directed by Philip Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. The seven person ensemble represents members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera, the West Point Band and Broadway. They will present a special Independence Day program featuring Americana, patriotic anthems, American songbook, gospel hymns and other celebratory music 7:30 p.m. in the Great Auditorium. Tickets are $15.

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