So… what were you doing way back in 1686? Working with a Dutch trading company? Reading the first edition of “Principia” by Isaac Newton? Helping to build the Salem Road in West Jersey?

OK, maybe that’s an unfair question.

If you were Richard Hancock, you were setting up shop with your sawmill along the Cohansey River in 1686, establishing a new settlement called Cohansey Bridge. Later, the name would be changed to Bridgetown. And when the town was incorporated in 1865, it was known (as it is known today) as Bridgeton.

Tomorrow, the city of Bridgeton is having an all-day celebration of the founding of their community. There will be a sidewalk sale, live music, mural painting, a parade and the official ceremony commemorating the occasion. Check out the city’s website for the the full schedule of events.

While it’s not a straight food event (don’t you worry; there will be food there at the celebration), Bridgeton 325 illustrates another aspect about South Jersey that some may not realize: there’s a lot of history here. If you think 1686 is a long time ago, the town of Salem had been established 11 years before Bridgeton (in 1675) and the port of Greenwich, with its main thoroughfare Ye Greate Street, had been established in 1684. And even my home town of Willingboro, which most people know as a Levitt community, was originally the Constabulary of Wellingborrow when it was formed in 1688. Yep, South Jersey is old, at least by American standards anyway. Just to put our history in perspective: The White Tower of the Tower of London was completed in 1097. And what were you doing in 1097?

More importantly – what are you doing this weekend? Need some ideas?

On Saturday, you have a choice between the Jazzy Scallop & Seafood Festival at Viking Village in Barnegat Light and Summerbrew 2011, hosted by the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

A Little Ways Away...

If you’re looking for some dining out options, today is the last day of Wildwood Restaurant Week, and this weekend will wrap up Ocean City Restaurant Week.

This is the big blueberry weekend here in South Jersey. Saturday is the Blueberry Festival at Historic Whitesbog Village in Browns Mills. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there is an $8 parking fee. On Sunday, Hammonton has its Red, White & Blueberry Festival at Hammonton High School. Admission is free.

And If You're A Bit More Adventurous...

This weekend is the Festival de Aibonito – Puerto Rico Family Festival at the Camden Children’s Garden. The highlight of the event will be the tropical fruits being served.

As always, check our blog for the complete Friday Foodstuffs update.

Enjoy your weekend!