​“We hold these truths to be self-evident” – familiar words for any American. To celebrate America’s 245th birthday, town leaders from Allentown and Upper Freehold Township will join members of the community to publicly read the Declaration of Independence once again this July 4th.  All are welcome to witness the event at 9 a.m., Sunday, July 4, 2021 in Pete Sensi Park, Main Street in Allentown.

The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was held in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, and other readings were held later that same day in Trenton and Easton, Pa. Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776, copies of the document were printed and sent by messengers to be distributed throughout the newly-founded 13 states.  At the time, Allentown, NJ was a village frequented by many travelers en route from Philadelphia to New York.  It is likely that the Declaration was proclaimed in 1776 from very close to the same site at which it will be read 245 years later on July 4, 2021.

The reading is free and sponsored by The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI).  Those attending are encouraged to visit local businesses afterwards and enjoy the quaint village atmosphere of our shops and restaurants.  For more information, please call the McCormicks at (609) 208-9991. 

The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) invites residents to join it in a special effort to patronize local small businesses. Register below to receive a weekly email highlighting our community’s great shops and restaurants (copies of the weekly bulletins can be seen below),  The email will showcase unique products, services and specials offered by entrepreneurs throughout Allentown and Upper Freehold.  There is no charge to participate.
 
It’s no secret that many small businesses -- which form the economic backbone of our neighborhood -- are struggling during the pandemic.  A simple and easy way to help these businesses survive is to participate in TAVI Town Specials.  Together we can support our community and each other – So register to participate today!

Welcome to the Great Christmas Light Driving Tour.  We hope you enjoy driving by homes in our community decked out for the holiday season!  TAVI will continue to update the map throughout the month of December.  Feel free to register in the post below to be added to the map, and of course, check back so that you can visit all of the “new additions.”  We wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

Congratulations to Greg Colen, Brandon Houle, and Patricia Brown for winning the prizes for the Great Allentown Scavenger Hunt!  Thanks to all who participated and made this event a success!

Join in the fun of TAVI's Great Allentown Scavenger Hunt by sending an email with your name, address, and number of participants to dwinknj@aol.com.  Once your email is received you will be registered as a participant and will receive clues and instructions on how to complete the hunt.   Register before August 30, 2020.  The Great Allentown Scavenger Hunt ends at midnight on August 31, 2020.  Everyone who finds all 29 sites and emails us back (as explained in the instructions you will receive when you register) will be entered into our prize drawing. 

Participation is FREE!  We are very grateful for any donation to support this and other TAVI projects for our community.

Hear Ye...Hear Ye!