You might know that New Jersey’s state bird is the American Goldfinch but did you know that Hoboken has an official honorary bird as well?
The Hoboken Tern Parade is a collaborative art installation where 30 businesses in the Mile Square City will house decoys of the Common Tern, whose real-life counterparts will fly back to the area mid-month.
Organized by Our Tern and sponsored by the Hoboken Business Alliance, the purpose is to educate the public on Hoboken’s history and connection to the bird, foster a love of art, encourage small business shopping, and increase awareness of the local ecosystem and sustainability efforts.
There is a host of activities planned to celebrate the bird. On April 10, 902 Brewing Company will host a tasting of their Tern-inspired “Our Tern on Tap.” On April 17, the library will share the comeback story of the Common Tern. On April 27, Our Tern, Urban Arts and Resilience Paddle Sports will host an Earth Day celebration. Every Wednesday in May, professional birder Jeffrey Train will offer bird walks, jokes and facts at the Hoboken Public Library. Now through June 1, the Hoboken Public Library will host scavenger hunts for prizes. On June 11, Our Tern will host a fun run where you’ll stop to see a colony near their nesting grounds. On June 14, see all the terns together at Schmitty’s Pub.
Throughout the duration of the parade, Little City Books will feature bird books and field guides, while the Hoboken Historical Museum will feature an exhibit on Hoboken’s salt marsh history. Mario’s Classic Pizza will sell a special RigaTERNi Pizza slice. Dozzino will let you color a tern ornament.
After the parade concludes on June 30, the sculptures will be used as actual decoys to attract terns to a floating island that will be constructed in Weehawken Cove so they can build their nests safely on the Hudson River. Starting June 15, the decoy flock will be viewable on the 12th Street Pier at Sinatra Drive.
The full list of businesses participating in The Hoboken Tern Parade can be found here.
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