Help Us Make History!

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on Lake Hopatcong

Saturday, July 11, 2026

America-250

Whether you motorboat, sail or paddle, come out on Lake Hopatcong on Saturday, July 11th and celebrate America's 250th birthday on New Jersey's largest lake!  A chance to participate in a very special event and make your own bit of history. 

Boat parade kicks off in front of Nolan’s Point at 11:00AM
                                                    Boats should be in Great Cove by 10:45am                                                From the first naphtha launches of the 1890s, powered vessels have long been a passion at Lake Hopatcong.  Celebrate by joining the boat parade - decorate your boat, dress in costume, or just be yourself - images will be captured and you will become a part of the lake's history!

All Fleet Sail from Bertrand Island to Halsey Island at 11:30AM
                              All sailing vessels welcome – gather in front of LHYC at 11:15AM                                 While the power vessels are cruising the shoreline, let's put as many sailing craft as possible on the main lake cruising to Halsey Island and back.  In addition to the amazing spectacle, help us celebrate Lake Hopatcong's long and proud tradition of sailing! 

                                                  Paddler Flotilla (Kayaks, Canoes, & SUPs)                                                                                   Gather in front of Lakeshore Village (Bertrand Island) at Noon                                  From the time of the Lenape, Lake Hopatcong has been home to all types of paddled vessels. Paddlers will meet in front of the former site of the lake's most popular attraction, Bertrand Island Park. 

     

Sign up to participate and receive event updates and parade information 

   Register Here

 

                                                                      Motorboat Parade                                                                  The Parade will be led by the "Miss Lotta" cruise boat, named after one of Lake Hopatcong's most famous former residents and so popular on the lake since its arrival in 2014.  It will be followed by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation's Floating Classroom and Jefferson Township's fireboat, "Defender."  Next come a variety of  wonderful wooden craft, once a mainstay on the lake, proudly owned and operated by members of Lake Hopatcong's Antique & Classic Boat Society.  And your boat can be next.  Come to Great Cove on Saturday, July 11, and join the parade!

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