New Hope and Lambertville will host a three-day festival to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
The “New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival” will run from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.
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Organizers from the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit group America Celebrates Inc. announced the schedule for the event, which features historical reenactments, live music, a parade, and a record-breaking fireworks and drone exhibition along the Delaware River.
More than 50 community, tourism, and hospitality organizations are working on the festival alongside dozens of independent local businesses.
“New Hope and Lambertville played a critical part in our country’s history,” Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, said. “As you walk down Main Street, you are walking where George Washington walked 250 years ago.”
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The festival kicks off Friday, July 3, with afternoon and evening performances on platform stages on both sides of the river. Children’s author Abigale Readlinger will lead a discussion of “The Young Federalists” on the New Hope River Promenade at 1 p.m., where complimentary copies of the book will be distributed. Throughout the day, costumed actors portraying figures such as George Washington, Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Admiral DeGrasse, and General Henry Knox will interact with the public.
Entertainment on Friday includes two performances of “NJ Ballad” by the Roxey Ballet at the Lambertville Station stage at 5 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., with a performance of “Stars and Stripes” by the Music Mountain Theatre scheduled between the two ballet shows.
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Friday’s events conclude at 9 p.m. with a 20-minute fireworks and light show over the Delaware River. The display will use two mid-river barges and 200 drones, marking the largest such show in New Hope’s history. Organizers are installing stadium-quality speakers across both downtown areas to synchronize the patriotic soundtrack for spectators on both banks.
On Saturday, July 4, a ticketed Revolutionary Pub Crawl will depart from Lambertville Station at 2 p.m. Reenactors playing historical figures like Samuel Adams, Anna Strong, and George Washington will guide participants across the bridge into New Hope, concluding at the New Hope American Legion lower parking lot at 41 New Street around 4 p.m.
A ticketed outdoor concert will follow at the American Legion lot from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with DJ Wodi serving as the master of ceremonies starting at 4 p.m. The musical lineup includes the Sam Ryan Band, fronted by the New Hope native and Blood, Sweat & Tears lead singer; Forever Donna: The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute; and the ABBA tribute band Dancing Dream. Admission to the concert area is $10, and food tents and a full bar will be available on-site.
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The festival end Sunday, July 5, beginning with the Freedom Parade at 10 a.m. The march will start at the New Hope American Legion lot, cross the bridge, and finish at Lambertville Station. The procession will feature historical reenactors, local veterans, scout troops, the Tri-County Band, and local fire departments showcasing antique equipment.
At 11:30 a.m., the Relentless Dragon Boat Race will pit an American-themed crew against a British-themed crew on the river. Past and present mayors from both municipalities will deliver readings of the Declaration of Independence on both shores. The festival will wrap up at noon following a simultaneous performance of “God Bless America” by vocalists from the Bucks County Playhouse and Music Mountain Theatre, accompanied by synchronized church bells in both towns.
Most events are free and family-friendly, except for the pub crawl and the July 4 concert.
Both towns have Revolutionary War ties. New Hope Borough, formerly known as Coryell’s Ferry, served as a strategic river crossing defended under orders from Congress in 1777. Its historic Logan Inn served as a headquarters for Maj. Gen. Benedict Arnold and a lodging site for Gen. George Washington.
“We can’t wait to activate the banks of the twin river towns,” Dick Creter, president of America Celebrates Inc., said.
For more information, head to visitnewhope.com and follow @visitnewhope on social media.
