Hope Township, a scenic village tucked into the hills and valleys of Warren County, N.J., is celebrating a major birthday this year! To mark the occasion, a weekend full of activities will be held under the fall foliage this September, including a grand parade and fun, informative tours of historical sites.

Celebrating 250 years, a once-in-a-lifetime parade will highlight the festivities. Stepping off on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m., parade participants and spectators alike are encouraged to dress up for the event!

Registration is now being accepted from groups and individuals who wish to walk, ride, or drive in the parade. Judged categories include Marching Units: Veteran, Civic, and Youth; Vehicles: Fire, Ambulance and Rescue, Antique Military, Antique Automobile/Truck, Antique Tractor, and Specialty Vehicle; Floats: Civic (churches, hospitals, clubs, etc.) and Youth (Scouts and Youth Groups); and Equestrian: Individual or Group. Competing is not required to participate.

But the parade is only one part of the celebration! Special events are scheduled throughout the weekend, from Sept. 20-22. Additional events include a tasting dinner at The Inn at Millrace Pond, walking tours of historic cemeteries and buildings, demonstrations, a community picnic, wreath laying ceremonies, and more.

Visit the celebration’s official website, www.hope250.com, for more information, including a full schedule of events, registration, and commemorative program ad options. Remember to tag photos from these special events on social media with the official celebration hashtag: #hope250.

Established in 1769 by German Moravians, Hope was one of the earliest planned communities in the colonies. Sitting on what was prior a large farm, The Village of Hope and the surrounding township is rich in history, entering the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1973.