Public invited to annual George Washington Day Picnic

WARWICK — On Saturday, July 27, the Town of Warwick Historical Society will commemorate the 96th annual George Washington Day Picnic at Lewis Park with lunch, period games, face painting, country dancing and so forth beginning at noon in an overall fun picnic atmosphere.

Everyone is invited. And please take your children and your grandchildren to this family friendly event. Bring your picnic blankets and chairs.

In addition to hot dogs, lemonade, and ice pops along with a complimentary lunch, historical figures in Colonial dress will be on hand to meet and greet guests.

They will teach country dancing, offer samples of authentic ginger cake and instruct those in attendance in the ever-popular musket drill.

Featured guest for the day will be Niel DeMarino of PBS’ American Experience.

DeMarino is a Warwick resident who is an accomplished actor, enthusiastic in his love of history and committed to the mission of the Warwick Historical Society.

The annual George Washington Day Picnic will also feature Colonial-era games such as sack races, stick and hoops, spoon and potato races and the like. And there will also be a kid’s craft table with an historical focus along with face painting.

While most of the activity will be at Lewis Park, the historic Baird’s Tavern will be available for tours and the Warwick Historical Society Gift Shop will be open for business.

In 1917 the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick held its first George Washington Day Picnic to celebrate and commemorate the visit of General Washington and his entourage to Warwick’s Baird’s Tavern.

A meticulous record-keeper, Washington recorded his 1782 visit in his journal along with an itemized purchase of grog.