Shoot a Big Gun for a Good Cause

Bid to win a chance to fire the Battleship NJ's 5-inch gun

The 8th Annual Battleship Blast Fundraiser is ending with a big bang this year -- and you could be the one pulling the trigger.

The Battleship New Jersey is hosting an email-based auction for a chance to fire their 5-inch gun over the Delaware River at the finale of their fireworks show on July 3.

“This is the same gun that was used effectively throughout the history of the USS New Jersey -- from World War II to the Persian Gulf War -- hitting targets up to 10 miles away," said CEO Jim Schuck. "But not to fear, we are only shooting blanks! But they are loud and make a great flash!”

Here’s what you need to know. The bidding starts at $500 and lasts until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. You must attend the Blast in order to be eligible and be prepared to pay by credit card. You can email your bids to firethegun@battleshipnewjersey.org.

Money raised from the winning bid will go to the on-going preservation and maintenance of the Battleship.

The Blast BBQ begins at 6.pm. The festivities include an open bar, a lobster and steak dinner, entertainment on the ship’s fantail and a spectacular fireworks show at dusk. Tickets can be purchased at $175 per person or through sponsorship of the event.

And hey, not everyone can take that type of aim to their wallet, so the Battleship Decks will be open to the public at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the deck and just seven bucks if you just want to enjoy the Battleship Pier.

There will be live music and a performance by the The Hypersonics, a local instrumental surf rock band of students from the Delaware Valley.

You can also enjoy The Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels which will showcase animals and a petting area.

With face-painting, temporary tattoos and concessions available on the pier. The pre-Independence Day of fun is the perfect family outing -- not to mention the perfect spot to be for the fireworks show at dusk.

Tickets will be available at the Battleship Ticket Office or by calling 1.866.877-6262 ext. 107.

The leading bid will be announced on the Battleship’s website.

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