Exeter's American Independence Festival 2022: Fireworks, battles, more. Here's schedule.
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EXETER — The 32nd American Independence Festival returns Saturday, July 16 with Colonial reenactors, military demonstrations, games, and Beer Garden next to a historic tavern.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the American Independence Museum.
Unlike most other communities which celebrate America’s independence from the British Empire on July 4, Exeter and the museum celebrate the day on the Saturday closest to July 16.
According to Jen Carr, the museum’s acting director, the date was chosen because July 16, 1776, was when a copy of the Declaration of Independence known as the Dunlap Broadside arrived on horseback in Exeter, 12 days after the document was signed in Philadelphia.
“July 16 is the exact anniversary that a man named John Taylor Gilman read the Declaration of Independence to the town of Exeter,” said Carr. “He read the declaration in the center of the town when he was just 22 years old.”
This year, July 16 falls on a Saturday, a coincidence that works out in the museum’s favor, she said.
What’s planned for this year’s festival?
The festival returns to normal this year. Unlike last year, where the festival took place over several weekends due to the COVID pandemic, this year it’s back as a one-day event.
The first event of the day is at 11 a.m., where the Declaration of Independence will be read.
“We recreate the reading of the Declaration of Independence with a direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to the townspeople in 1776,” added Carr.
The museum’s grounds will be turned into a traditional artisan village. Artisans will demonstrate everything from ropemaking, spinning, coopering, and millinery, to tinsmithing and pottery, while others play instruments, including the clavichord, dulcimer, and harpsichord.
Participating artisans include Bill Wasson, rope making; Laurel Jamieson, spinning; RP Hale, musician; Steve Zoldak, pottery; Larry Leonard, tinsmith; Peter Cook, flax to linen; Ron Raiselis, cooper; and Tara Vose Raiselis, millinery.
At the museum’s Folsom Tavern, kids can enjoy the newly opened Foy Family Children’s Library, which features a reading nook, curated books on 18th-century life, Revolutionary-era dress-up, play kitchen, games, and more. Outside the tavern, adults (ages 21-plus) can enjoy craft brew from Cisco Brewers.
“We also feature discussions led by first-person reenactors who provide insight into Revolutionary America and ourselves today,” Carr said.
When are the military reenactments?
One of the most unique aspects of the annual American Independence Festival is the militia re-enactment groups.
The 4th (King's Own) Regiment of the Foot will perform at 1 p.m., followed by First New Hampshire Regiment at 2 p.m. with a marching and muskets demonstration.
The 85th Regiment de Saintonge will put on a demonstration at 3 p.m. and a grand finale with King's Own 4th and Saintonge will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There will also be reenactors featuring General John Stark at 11:30 a.m., George Washington at 12 p.m., and “Black Jack” Staines at 1:30 p.m.
What other activities are planned?
Throughout the day, guests will be able to take self-guided tours around the Folsom Tavern, the Ladd-Gilman House and Steward Park.
“This year we are going to have the Ladd-Gilman House open as well as the Folsom Tavern,” said Carr. “The Ladd-Gilman House hasn’t been open for the festival since the pandemic started, so we’re very excited to bring that back to our guests.”
One of the highlights of the festival, Carr said, will be the exhibit of the Dunlap Broadside (one of the first copies of the Declaration of Independence) in the Ladd-Gilman House. It is the only time of the year that the museum brings it out, she said.
In addition to the Declaration of Independence, the museum also features two working drafts of the U.S. Constitution with draft notes that help illustrate the thought process of our nation's founders.
The museum has other treasures to discover as it is home to a collection of more than 3,000 items, dating from the 17th century to the 20th century.
When are the fireworks?
Club Soda Band will have a concert from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at Swasey Parkway to conclude the festival.
How much is admission?
Tickets are $5 for kids (ages 4 to 18) and $10 for adults with admission free for kids under 4, museum members, and veterans and active military. To purchase tickets, visit the American Independence Museum website.
32nd American Independence Festival schedule of events
10 a.m. – Festival opens
10:15 a.m. – Welcoming remarks and opening salute
11 a.m. – Declaration of Independence reading by John Taylor Gilman
11:30 a.m. – New Hampshire’s own General John Stark
12 p.m. – General George Washington speech
12 p.m. – Beer Garden opens
12:30 p.m. – Freedom of Protest LiberTea Program
1 p.m. – Militia reenactment demonstration
1:30 p.m. – “Black Jack” Staines Tavern Talk
2 p.m. – Marching and muskets demonstrations
2:30 p.m. – Purple Heart Story and Craft
3 p.m. – Military reenactment demonstration
4 p.m. – Closing remarks and festival ends
4 p.m. – King’s Own 4th and Saintonge demonstration
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: American Independence Festival 2022: Fireworks, battles and more
