Mercer County Announces 2026 Women of Achievement Reception on March 18
West Windsor, NJ — The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women announced its 2026 Woman of Achievement and Young Woman of Achievement awardees, to be honored at a reception on March 18, 2026.
The Woman of Achievement Award was established by the Commission to honor women in Mercer who volunteer their time to make The County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. The Young Woman of Achievement Award honors Mercer County high school students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to volunteer work within their communities.
"From education, to activism, to serving those in need, this year's outstanding awardees have had a significant positive impact on our community," said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. "They've given their time, energy, and care in service of others, and it will be an honor to express our appreciation for all that they have accomplished.
This year, the Commission will present Woman of Achievement Awards to Kieanna Childs Alexander of Hamilton, Nicole Plett of Lawrenceville, and Ruth Scott of Princeton. Young Woman of Achievement Awards will be presented to Megana Madhurakavi of Robbinsville and Xintong Si of Lawrenceville.
The reception will also honor La Resistencia en Acción New Jersey (REA NJ), an organization of volunteers founded in 2009 to advance and protect the rights of immigrants and working-class communities in New Jersey.
The awards reception will be held Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor. The deadline to register is Wednesday, March 4. Tickets to the reception can be purchased at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/mercer-status-of-women-2026/WoA. Tickets are $65 plus transaction fees, and include hors d'oeuvres, light fare, and dessert.
For more information about the event, please email womenscommission@mercercounty.org or call 609-989-6526.
The Mercer County Commission on the Status of Women was established under the Mercer County Department of Human Services in 1976 to support the County of Mercer in the development of policies and programs designed to enhance women's lives. Its members act as liaisons among community organizations, associations, and groups working to improve the status of women in Mercer County.
Mercer County Clerk Reminds Residents of Available Passport Services
TRENTON, NJ — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello reminds residents that passport services are available at two convenient County locations: the Mercer County Clerk's Office in Trenton and the Mercer County Connection Office in Hamilton (which has ample parking).
"Our goal is to make the passport process as accessible and efficient as possible for Mercer County residents," said Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. "To best serve the public, we continue to offer passport services at both the County Connection Office in Hamilton and our main office in Trenton, and we encourage applicants to review all requirements in advance and schedule appointments when necessary to ensure a smooth experience."
Although the Mercer County Clerk's Office holds special outreach events in various municipalities throughout Mercer, these permanent offices are always open for business, and we encourage residents to use them for scheduling passport services when most convenient for them.
Passport services include assisting Mercer County residents in applying for new passports, renewing expired passports, taking passport photos and applying for passport cards which are REAL ID. Due to increased demand, passport services at the Mercer County Connection Office in Hamilton are offered by appointment only, while services in Trenton are available during regular business hours.
Mercer County Connection Passport Service Hours
957 Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690
Open: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Tuesday & Thursday)
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM (Saturday)
Trenton Office Hours
209 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Open: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
8:00 AM - 6:45 PM (Wednesday)
To obtain a passport, applicants must present the following required documentation:
· A current driver's license or other government-issued photo identification
· A valid Social Security number
· A government-issued birth certificate OR a previous passport
Applicants should note that checks or money orders are required for each application.
Current passport fees are as follows:
· Adult Passport Book: $130
· Passport Card: $30
· Children under 16: $100
· Expedited Service: Additional $60
In addition to federal fees, Mercer County charges a $35 processing fee per application and $15 for passport photos, if needed.
Appointments for the Mercer County Connection Office in Hamilton can be scheduled online through the Mercer County Passport Appointments system. For additional information, residents may contact the Mercer County Clerk's Office in Trenton at 609-989-6473 or visit Passports | Mercer County, NJ.
Mercer County Library System to Host Book Festival in September
Mercer County, NJ — February 1, 2026 — Mercer County Library System invites local authors to participate in its second annual Book Festival, to be held on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence, NJ. This celebration of literature and storytelling brings together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts throughout Mercer County (and beyond!) Whether you are an established author or an emerging voice, the Book Festival offers a unique platform to share your stories and inspire others.
"We were thrilled by the turnout and enthusiasm at our inaugural Book Festival last year," said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. "As we prepare for our second festival, we're excited to welcome a wide range of authors to share their work and engage with readers."
Local authors and writing groups of all backgrounds and genres are invited to apply to host tables at the festival. Applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 15. Accepted participants should anticipate a $50 table fee. If accepted, authors will be notified by April 15. Applications are available on the library's web site at https://mcl.org/events/book-festival/.
The Book Festival will feature panels about writing and publishing in different genres, authors discussing their books, and plenty of crafts and kid-friendly performances. More information about the festival and library's many other programs is available on the MCLS web site at www.mcl.org.
Trenton, NJ – Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced the launch of Mercer 250, (250.mercercountynj.gov) a website which highlights Mercer County's critical role in the American Revolution, and provides visitors with a comprehensive guide to historical sites and events. As the County prepares to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, this website will serve as a resource connecting both residents and tourists with Mercer's rich history.
"When the Patriot cause was at its lowest, and the hope of liberty seemed to hang by a thread, it was here in Mercer County that General Washington and his troops began to turn the tide with their historic victories during the Ten Crucial Days," said County Executive Benson. "This history is core to who we are, and whether you're a Mercer resident, coming from a neighboring county, or visiting from out-of-state, we hope that you'll take the time to explore The Capital County's role in the founding of our nation."
The Mercer 250 website hosts a comprehensive calendar of Revolution-themed events around the County, from historical reenactments, to festivals, lectures, and guided tours. Website visitors can search for an activity that fits their schedule and interests, while organizations and businesses can submit their own events for inclusion. The celebrations will kick off over the 2025 holiday season, as Trenton Patriot's Week brings a wide range of free activities to the Capital City.
The site also features an interactive map of historical sites and activities throughout the County, with more to be added as celebrations for the semiquincentennial continue. Adventurers and history buffs can join the Passport to 250 challenge, and prove their bona fides by visiting and logging locations and events around the County. Visitors can dive further into the history of the era by reading about the people, events, and stories of the times.
Throughout the celebration of the Revolution's 250th Anniversary, Mercer County seeks to celebrate and recognize the full spectrum of people who were caught up in the events of that era. In addition to the major military and political figures of the day, Mercer and its partners will illuminate lives and stories that are too often left out of the historical narrative.
Mercer 250 is a project of the Mercer County Division of Tourism [and Division of Culture & Heritage?], and an official partner of RevolutionNJ. The Division of Tourism has worked extensively with local historical societies and nonprofits, the business community, municipal partners, and members of the community to bring the wide range of activities available to residents and visitors over the months, and years, to come
Mercer County Announces Second Round of Funding to Tackle Impact of Opioid Epidemic
Trenton, NJ – Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and the Mercer County Office on Addiction Services announced a new round of funding initiatives, totaling up to $270,000, dedicated to addressing the impacts of the opioid epidemic. The County has issued a request for proposal (RFP) inviting community agencies and organizations to apply for these funds by December 23rd.
The new funds are part of Mercer County's share of New Jersey's $1 billion settlement with prescription opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for their role in creating and fueling the opioid epidemic. The Office on Addiction Services and Mercer County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council incorporated input from residents and community stakeholders to determine three priority areas for this round of funding: treatment, wraparound services, and equitable access to transportation.
"Earlier this year, Mercer County announced our first round of opioid settlement funds, which we're using to address opioid addiction through evidence-based programs and strategies," said County Executive Benson. "With this second round we're broadening our efforts to focus both on treatment and on addressing the barriers which so often prevent people from escaping addiction. We must provide a genuine path for recovery to all our residents who are struggling with opioid abuse.
The Office of Addiction Services will fund up-to three agencies that deliver treatment services for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder, prioritizing programs that offer a continuum of clinical care. Contracts will be awarded for up-to two organizations focusing on wraparound services that assist individuals in treatment/recovery with supportive housing, counseling, and other critical services that promote long-term stability. Lastly, the office will select up-to two providers to help individuals overcome transportation barriers which might prevent them from accessing treatment or support.
Members of the public can help guide the County's efforts against opioid addiction by completing the Office on Addiction's online survey at www.mercercounty.org/osfsurvey. (Spanish version here.)
The RFP may be viewed at mercercounty.org/Home/Components/RFP/RFP/5391/418. Contracts awarded through this process will run from February 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with opportunities to extend. Funding is continent upon inclusion and adoption in the 2026 Mercer County budget.
Master Gardeners of Mercer County Helpline is Open
The Helpline is open for in-person visits once again! Got home gardening or insect questions? You can visit our Helpline office on Parkside Avenue. Please bring a sample of each plant or insect in question if possible. You can also call us or send us an email. Please include your phone number so a Master Gardener can call you to discuss the issues.
Helpline Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–4:30pm; Phone: 609-989-6853; Email: AskTheMGs@mercercounty.org
Your Guide to Mercer County's Best Fireworks and Festivities this July 4th
July 4th Independence Day celebrations are never a one-day affair. You can very easily keep the party going on for over a week, between family BBQs, movie showings, music concerts and local fireworks displays. Check out our round up to keep you entertained all holiday long.
July 4th celebrations are never a one-day affair. You can very easily keep the party going on for over a week, between family BBQs, movie showings, music concerts and local fireworks displays. We’ve got the scoop on where to watch fireworks every single day of the week, along with baby races, carnival rides, a special Captain America movie showing, historic re-enactments and lots more! Check out our round up to keep you entertained all holiday long.
Thursday, June 27
Montgomery Township Independence Day Celebration
Montgomery High School, 1014 Rte 601, Skillman
6PM
Enjoy games and activities for children, food vendors (including ice cream, cheesecakes, kettle corn & funnel cakes!). Get there early to enjoy a picnic, along with the sounds of The John Oakes Band at 7PM. After the singing of the Star Spangled Banner at dusk, enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks!
Friday, June 28
Rider University’s Independence Day Fireworks
Campus Green, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence
7PM
Bring a blanket or your favorite chair to enjoy Lawrence Township fireworks on the Campus Green. Music will begin at 7{M with the fireworks following around 9:15PM. Food trucks will be on site, as well as a fireworks fundraiser of glow necklaces for sale. (Rain date Saturday, June 29). For more information contact the Lawrence Township Recreations Department at 609-844-7065.
Saturday, June 29
Freedom Festival
Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor Township
3PM-11PM
Attractions, including Jake Miller, Wiener Dog Races, Baby Races, Giveaways (like a Nintendo Switch and Jennifer Lopez tickets), Scavenger hunt, live music, more than 20 food trucks, WPST and NJ 101.5 personalities and carnival style rides. They are touting “Mercer County’s largest firework show” will light up the skies. The event is free to attend. Parking is $5.
Sunday, June 30
Hopewell Valley Concert & Fireworks, Titusville
Woolsey Park, 221 Washington Crossing Road, Titusville
5:30PM
Enjoy food, classic cars & a great fireworks show!
Wednesday, July 3
Ewing Township Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Green Lane Fields, Green Lane, Ewing Township
6PM
Bring your lawn chairs and blanket and enjoy free games, rides, face painting, a balloon man, DJ Dan Murphy, Entertainment by Miss Amy, Colonial Reenacts and food vendors. A spectacular fireworks show will take place at dusk. Rain date Friday, July 5th.
Flemington Raritan Parks Fireworks
Reading Fleming Intermediate School’s Upper Parking Lot, 50 Court Street, Flemington
7:30PM
A DJ will provide music beginning at 7:30PM, with fireworks beginning around 9PM. The rain date is Friday, July 5.
Hamilton Independence Day Fireworks and Concert
Veterans Park, Kuser Road Entrance, 2206 Kuser Road, Hamilton Township
6PM
Visit Veterans Park for Hamilton Township’s Independence Day Fireworks and Concert Celebration. The concert begins at 6PM with a performance by The Heartbeats. Fireworks take place after dark (approximately 9:30PM). Rain date is Thursday, July 4.
Captain America, The First Avenger
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
7PM
Celebration America’s birthday in patriotic fashion with Captain America. Afterwards head over to Boyd Park (Route 18 North) for live music, children’s activities, food & fireworks. This is a free showing.
New Brunswick Fireworks
Elmer B. Boyd Park, New Brunswick
6PM
New Brunswick’s July 4th celebration includes music & food, with fireworks starting around 9:20PM.
Thursday, July 4
Fourth of July Jubilee at Historic Morven, Princeton
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton
12PM-3PM
Enjoy a meet and greet with Annis Boudinot Stocken, take photos in the Revolutionary Photo Booth, Sign the Decoration of Independence, take part in an interactive chalk wall and enjoy games and prizes. This free event is shine only. For additional details call Curator of Education & Public Programs Debra Lampert-Rudman at 609.924.8144, ext. 106.
Happy Hour on the Lake
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 S. Post Road, West Windsor
5PM
Enjoy delicious food and drink specials, cigars, live music, views of Mercer Lake from the grounds and $4 pontoon boat rides (weather permitting).
Summer Courtyard Concert Series: Big Country and the Finger Pick’n Good Band
Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street, Princeton
6PM
The Arts Council of Princeton and Princeton Shopping Center host a 4th of July celebration in the Courtyard. Big Country and the Finger Pick’n Good Band’s sound consists of country, blues, rock ’n’ roll and pop. Covering some of Nashville’s current stars like Brett Young, Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton, they’ll pull you in with their charismatic style. This is a free event.
Trenton Thunder, Trenton
Arm & Hammer Park, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton
7PM game time
If you miss the fireworks after the 7PM show, be sure to catch them at Saturday’s game (game start time 7PM).
Monroe Township’s July 4th Celebration, Monroe Township
Thompson Park, 1701 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township
5PM
Monroe Township’s July 4th celebrations starts at 5PM at Thompson Park. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Friday, July 5
Bordentown Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Joseph Lawrence Park, 317 Ward Avenue, Bordertown
4PM
Enjoy food, music, a kids’ corner and a corn hole tournament. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Cranbury Fireworks, Cranbury
Village Park, Cranbury
6:30PM
Join Cranberry Township with the town’s annual fireworks display at Village Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy music from Mercer County Symphonic Band from 6:30-8:30PM. Fireworks will begin at dusk. As a reminder, no alcohol is permitted in the park.
Saturday, July 6
East Windsor Township Fireworks and Music
Etra Lake Park, Disbrow Hill Road
6PM
The East Windsor Independence Day Celebration includes performance by Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings, Dixieland Jazz Band and the Trenton Quintet Plus One Band. The firework show will take place at 9:30PM. (Rain date Saturday, July 13).
So tell us, how are you spending your 4th?
Golf outings are a great way to fundraise or just to have an enjoyable social event for your clients and colleagues. Plus, if you are located in or around the Mercer County area, you don’t have to go far to enjoy beautiful public courses with clubhouses that provide delicious food and amenities you expect, with the personalized customer service you require.
The Mercer County Park Commission offers four gorgeous golf courses at three different locations –
Mercer Oaks, located in West Windsor, is the home of two championship courses which are open year round. Mercer Oaks West, an 18-hole championship golf course, was built in a traditional style with tree-lined fairways, ample bunkers, and challenging greens. The course provides a good test of golf through strategic design and careful placement of bunkers and other hazards. From the championship tees, the course measures 7,040 yards with a par of 72. Mercer Oaks East is also an 18-hole championship links-style golf course featuring generous fairways, exceptional bunkering and large, contoured greens. From the championship tees, the course measures 7,182 yards with a par of 72.
Princeton Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf facility which measures just over 6,000 yards and playing to a par of 70. What makes the course challenging is its tight tree-lined fairways and small back to front sloping greens. Accuracy over distance as well as a keen short game are demanded to score well. Princeton Country Club also has a full driving range and practice putting green and is the home base for the Mercer County Golf Academy, which features a full state-of-the-art 6,000 square foot indoor practice facility with three simulators, an indoor putting green, and professional fitting center.
Built in 1958, Mountain View in Ewing is the original Park Commission golf facility. Featuring a beautiful 9,000 square foot clubhouse and pro shop, Mountain View could be another great destination for your golf event. The par 72 stretches to nearly 6,700 yards from the tips and provides a unique experience with its rolling fairways and elevation changes. Mountain View also has a ten-stall driving range, practice putting green, and a beautiful outside veranda which provides a great vantage point to the 18 green.
Want to learn more? Go to www.golfmercercounty.com or call John Kostin, Director of Golf Operations, at (609) 882-4986 to begin planning your outing now.
New Year's Eve 2016 Happenings for the Mercer County Area
Hard to believe another year has come to an end! It's been a very festive 2016 holiday season, but the celebrating isn't over yet. If you're thinking about staying close to home this New Year's Eve, we have a list lof local restaurants, entertainemnt and family fun to help you plan how to ring in 2017.
Restaurants with New Year’s Eve menus/parties:
Anjappar Bar & Grill, Princeton
Alstarz Bar & Grill, Bordentown
Bahama Breeze Island Grille, MarketFair Princeton
Blue Bottle Cafe, Hopewell
Brothers Moon, Hopewell
Elements, Princeton
Rat’s at Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton
Tavern on the Lake, Hightstown
Westin Hotel, Princeton
Witherspoon Grill, Princeton
Vidalia, Lawrenceville
Live Entertainment ‘
6PM - Catch a Rising Star Princeton Ballroom Gala with Joe Devito, Jerrold Benford and Steve Trevelise
7PM - Open Mic - Princeton Elks Lodge, Skillman
8PM - Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey New Year’s Eve Concert, Trenton
9:30PM - New Year’s Bowling Eve, Colonial Bowling Lawrence
9:30PM - City Streets Bar & Grill Comedy Show with Roque Wilson, East Windsor
Events
11AM - Battle of Trenton Reenactment, The Old Barracks Trenton
4PM Honor Yoga Glowga, Lawrenceville
6PM - Hogmanay Bonfire, Brearley House Lawrence
8:45PM - Sound Journey into the New Year, Princeton Center for Yoga and Health, Skillman.
For the kids
10AM or 12:30PM - Bouncing’ New Year, Bounce U West Windsor
10:30AM - Polar Express, Princeton Garden Theatre
11:20AM - 5:45PM - New Year’s Eve Jump, Pump it Party Hamilton
Noon - New Year’s Eve Countdown at all Mercer County Library Branches
EPIC list of Mercer County area fall festivals happening this weekend
Happy First Day of Fall! It might not feel like it out there, but 'tis the season for apple picking, pumpkin carving, cider drinks, hay rides and more! And this weekend, the Mercer County area is jam-packed with fall festivals that are perfect for the whole family. These will take care of the question of what to do for lunch and dinner.

Fall Fest Weekend Weekend!
Saturday, Sept 24
Sunday, September 25
Mercer County Area Memorial Day Parades
If you're staying local or visiting the Mercer County area for the Memorial Day Holiday, we've rounded up the local parades taking place this weekend.
Who doesn't love a good parade! If you're staying local or visiting the Mercer County area for the Memorial Day Holiday, we've rounded up the local parades taking place this weekend.

Saturday May 28, 2016
Hillsborough
May 28, 10:30
?https://www.facebook.com/events/1734749073407666/
Starts at corner of New Amwell and Auten Road and ends at Municipal Building. Followed by The Garden of Honor ceremony.
Lawrence Township
10 am
alpost414nj.org
Starts at Lawrence High School and ends Post 414 Veterans Park
Spirit of Princeton Parade
10:00 AM
https://www.spiritofprinceton.org
Starts at the corner of Princeton Ave and Nassau Street and goes to Princeton Monument Hall (1 Monument Drive or 45 Stockton Street, Princeton). Ceremony at Princeton Monument Hall at 11am. Veterans are encouraged to be in the parade.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Hopewell
1:00 PM
https://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/community/community-events/
Downtown Hopewell, Broad Street
Monday, May 30, 2016
Hamilton Township
8am
hamiltonnj.com
Begins at Nottingham Way & Shady Ln and Ends at Nottingham Fire Company
Pennington
Memorial Day Parade, Kids Bike Brigade & Concert
11 am
penningtonboro.org
Begins at the HVRSD Administration Building and ends at The Pennington School tennis courts. The day concludes with a concert starting at 5:30 pm .
West Windsor Township
11 am
westwindsornj.org/notices/memorial-day-parade-ceremony
Starts at West Windsor High School, South and ends with a ceremony at the West Windsor Municipal Complex at noon.
Cranbury
1 pm
cranbury.org
Parade runs down Main Street.
Image: Spirit of Princeton on Facebook
Holiday Treats: The Best Local Bakeries in the Mercer County Area
Treat your guests this holiday season to some of New Jersey’s finest baked goods and cuisine! Take a step back from the oven, spend more time with your family and leave the cooking and baking to the pros. Whether you need some inspiration for Thanksgiving or are looking ahead to hosting friends and family for Hanukkah or Christmas, we’ve got you covered. You provide the company and the laughs and we’ll provide the full bellies and the smiles. Everybody knows that great hosts know great food.
The Mercer County Holocaust-Genocide Resource Center (MCHGRC) invites the community to an open house and the screening of the documentary film “Children of Terror” on Thursday, Jan. 31. The doors open at 6 p.m. The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the producer, Rider University Professor Dr. Shawn Kildea. The event is presented free of charge.
The center is located on the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, on the second floor of the Library Building (next to the college bookstore).
Based on the 2009 book of the same name, the film combines the stories of two Holocaust survivors. Inge Auerbacher, a German Jew, survived Terezin, a Nazi concentration camp located in what is now the Czech Republic, while Bozenna Gilbride, a Catholic Pole, survived Chemnitz, a Nazi work camp in Germany. The film focuses on the interfaith relationship these two women forged in spite of the resistance to their friendship from some within their own communities.
For more information, contact the MCHGRC at 609-570-3355 or email mcholgen@gmail.com.
East Windsor Shuttle
Service between East Windsor/Hightstown and Princeton Jct. Rail Station Click Here. Click on transportation.
FreeB
Borough of Princeton’s rush hour shuttle service to the Princeton (Dinky) Rail Station.
Click Here.
Greater Mercer TMA
Works with employers to provide the following bus services from rail stations to their places of business.
Participants are eligible for our Green Miles program.
Bank of America/Merill Lynch & Co. – Hamilton Rail station to the Hopewell campus.
Learn About It
Schedule and Map, effective March 13th, 2011
Train Link – Princeton Jct. Rail station to Princeton Forrestal Ctr., Campus Rd.
Learn About It
Schedule and Map, effective March 13th, 2011
Mercer TRADE
Provides non-emergency transportation to residents of Mercer County who are elderly and to people with disabilities. Click Here.
NJ TRANSIT
Operates an extensive bus network of intra and interstate routes throughout New Jersey and into New York and Philadelphia. Find the route that’s right for you and get on board.
Plan It: Click Here.
Rt. 130 Connection
Service between the Hamilton Rail Station and Jamesburg, with stops along the Route 130 Corridor.
Click Here.
SEPTA
Route 127
Operates between the Neshaminy Mall in Bucks County, PA and the Trenton Transit Center. (Click Here.)