George Washington Turns 293; Park Throws Him A Party

UPPER MAKEFIELD — More than 100 people braved Sunday’s rainy weather to wish General George Washington a “Happy Birthday” inside the Visitor’s Center at his namesake park.

As smartphones rolled and wide-eyed kids watched, Washington, dressed in his striking blue and gold uniform, used a three-foot-long sword to slice through his red, white and blue birthday cake provided by the Caketeria in Newtown.

The audience cheered on the general as he shared his 293rd birthday with the public and thanked youngsters for the numerous handmade birthday cards he received.

“This brings a tear to my eye to see so many people remember my birthday - I’ve had so many,” said the general, portrayed by John Godzieba, as he gazed out over the visitors center auditorium.

“Thank you for taking time out of your day to celebrate with me and my soldiers,” said Washington, flanked by members of his inner command circle and the park’s Fife and Drum Corps.

George Washington (John Godzieba) next to his birthday cake. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums perform inside the Visitors Center. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

“This is one of those celebrations at Washington Crossing Historic Park that’s amazing,” said Godzieba. “The crowd, the excitement, the fife and drum music and just the enjoyment of everybody here. And the immense amount of birthday cards that I received. It’s so wonderful to see the patriotism. This is a fantastic day.”

After cutting his cake, Washington invited everyone to join him for complimentary cupcakes donated by NJM Insurance Group.

Sunday’s birthday party was organized and hosted by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park and highlighted a free day of living history and hands-on learning activities at the park.

Dodging raindrops and toting umbrellas, visitors spent the history-filled late morning and early afternoon learning quill pen writing and whirly-gig game making, and participating in drills. Visitors also learned about Colonial cooking, spinning, and blacksmithing.

“On days like this, we’re grateful for the number of people who do show up,” said the park’s executive director Jennifer Martin. “We had more than 100 people here enjoying the activities. Typically we have 400 to 500 for an event like this. But on a day that’s rainy and gloomy that so many did show up is exciting. This event is particularly special because a lot of the events that we do are usually for an older audience. But this one you see a lot of kids ages three, four, five and six and this serves as an introduction for them to the park and what took place here.”

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at Washington Crossing Historic Park:

• Wheat and Sheep Day, April 26 from 10 to 4 p.m. Admission fee.
• Washington Crossing Brewfest, May 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets required.
• Free jazz concerto on the riverbank, May 24 at 6 p.m.
• Memorial Day observation, May 25 beginning at 1 p.m.
• Living History Day, July 4 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tickets required.
• Free park tours and Colonial Field Day, July 5 at 10 a.m.
• Rebels and Redcoats Classic Car Show, July 6 from 10 am to 3 pm. Free.
• Wine on the Waterfront, July 29 from 3 to 7 pm. Tickets required.

Re-enactors stand guard as Washington celebrates his birthday. (Jeff Werner/Patch)