Sights And Sounds Of The Fourth Explode At Washington Crossing Historic Park

UPPER MAKEFIELD — The banks of the Delaware River exploded with the sights and sounds of 1776 on Friday during a day-long celebration of the Fourth at Washington Historic Park.

The day began early with a Revolutionary Run through the park organized by the Upper Makefield Business Association. A record number of participants took part in this year's event, which included a Fun Run, a 5K Run, and a 10K Run.

Proceeds from the event are donated back to the community through scholarships and community grants.

Following the run, attention turned to the historic park where visitors were invited to step back in time to experience life during the American Revolution.

Set to the backdrop of historic Taylorsville village, visitors spent the late morning and much of the afternoon watching spinning, weaving and blacksmith demonstrations, learning about 18th-century gardening and Colonial food preparation and playing Colonial games from the 1700s.

The Revolutionary Run, organized by the Upper Makefield Business Association, is off and running on the Fourth of July in Washington Crossing. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A scene from the encampment. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The Washington Crossing Fife and Drum Corps performs on the banks of the Delaware River. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Chair caning and spinning demonstrations. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Artillery demonstrations had adults and children cupping their ears as cannon fire blasted toward the Delaware River, engulfing the banks in a sulfur-laden, smoky fog.

Standing on the steps of the McConkey Ferry Inn, a reenactor read the immortal words of the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson that set the stage for the Revolutionary War.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,” he said as the words fell on the ears of the assembled crowd, much as they did in communities throughout the 13 Colonies in July 1776.

As he read the document, the gathering heard a lengthy list of grievances made against the king and the reasons why the colonies were declaring their independence from Britain.

In front of the Durham boat house, re-enactor Paul Beck was mustering youngsters into the Colonial Army, equipping each with toy wooden muskets.

Assembled along Embarkation Drive with their muskets in hand, Beck led them through a series of drills before heading to a nearby patch of grass to “charge” the field.

Later, they got to see a real musket drill and firing on the banks of the Delaware River where Washington launched his bold and daring crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, a military maneuver that changed the course of the war.

Re-enactor Paul Beck of Yardley leads his new recruits in musket drills. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The new recruits "make ready" to fire. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

(Jeff Werner/Patch)

Throughout the park, the sights and sounds of the American Revolution were everywhere, from a blacksmithing demonstration to the sounds of the park’s Fife and Drum Corps, which played throughout the day.

The day also included tours of the officers’ quarters and encampment sponsored by Americana Corner’s Preserving America initiative.

The 4th of July celebration at the park caps off with a Rebels and Redcoats Car Show on Sunday, July 6 at the Valley of Concentration. The free show takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Circle your calendar. Next year, the park is planning a series of events and activities to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.