By Laurie O’Neill — Correspondent
The 250th is coming! The 250th is coming!
To (fife and) drum up excitement for the anniversary of the American Revolution, Concord250 is holding a “Community Kickoff: 250 Days to the 250th” on August 11, outdoors at the Concord Museum.
“We want to alert, inform, and engage with the greater community regarding the upcoming celebration of Concord’s central role in the American Revolution,” says Diane Proctor, who is on the executive committee of Concord250.
The date is technically 251 days from the anniversary, but the committee decided a Sunday was better than a Monday for the kickoff. The committee’s Communications and Marketing subcommittee, of which Proctor is the chair, is organizing the event, with the Museum serving as co-sponsor.
The early evening festivities will include free admission to the Museum and a chance to view the original lantern that played a role in Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride.
A smokehouse food truck and a wine truck will offer refreshments on the Museum lawn, where there will be cornhole games, music, and face painting.
As part of the event, Concord250 invites everyone to make a paper lantern. Templates will be available at the Museum on kickoff day and in advance at the August 3 Concord Sidewalk Sale, the Museum, both library branches, Concord Recreation and Umbrella Arts Camps, Verrill Farm, and Art for All workshops at Fowler (July 31) and the Main Library (August 7).
At the end of the kickoff, attendees can carry their lanterns on a march led by fife and drum from the Museum to Monument Square for a sunset lighting ceremony. Members of the Concord Minute Men and Acton Minutemen are to participate.
The kickoff will also feature remarks from state Undersecretary of Economic Strategies and Concord resident Sarah Stanton, organizers say.
“This community gathering,” says Proctor, “will offer the opportunity for everyone to honor Concord’s leading role in the birth of our country.”
The kickoff will be held at the Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, on August 11 (rain date: August 12) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
