While the battleship USS New Jersey remains moored at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the public is invited to the E-Centre on Sunday, Feb. 6, to celebrate the Navy's decision to award the much-decorated battlewagon to the Camden Waterfront.

"We just want everyone to come and celebrate the battleship's homecoming," said Freeholder Patricia Jones, the county's point woman on the project.

She promised a minimum of speeches.

"Lots of people can take credit, but it's a very big ship," she said.

The doors to the lobby open at 2 p.m. There is no admission fee, and free parking is available at the E-Centre.

"We're not asking anyone to pay a dime, but there will be a few jugs for donations and places for volunteers to sign up," Jones said. "There is still a lot of work to do."

The party will include a cake shaped like a battleship and swing dance music by the Russ Patrick Orchestra.

"We'd add a Mummers band too, if one wants to volunteer," Jones said.

She urged any volunteers to call the county Public Affairs Office at (856) 225-5431.