Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness will not be denied, even if a state government shutdown closes Liberty State Park this holiday weekend.

That's the message Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is putting out on Facebook, saying the massive celebration in the works for July 4th with hometown heroes Kool and the Gang and fireworks will move to Exchange Place if need be.

"Residents should know that whether NJ shuts down government or it doesn't , our July 4th fireworks, carnival, food vendors, + Kool/The Gang concert is moving forward,'' the mayor wrote on Facebook. "It will be just as big. We plan ahead and we always have contingency plans in place. Nobody is stopping us! See you on the 4th of July. #jerseycity

"We have back up location at Exchange Place for concerts, use of parking lots for festival, and moving barges for fireworks if need be. We will celebrate Independence Day as it should be."

Check back with NJ.com/Hudson for updates.