Warwick's little Williamsburg' parades out this Saturday
Warwick It was 224 years ago, nearing the end of the Revolutionary War, when General George Washington stopped to dine at Baird’s Tavern in Warwick. It was reported that Washington was traveling from a meeting in Philadelphia to his headquarters in Newburgh. Saturday, Warwick will celebrate Washington’s historic visit with George Washington Day, a day of games, music, carriage rides and history. “Everything is locala glimpse into Warwick’s history,” said Sybil Skinner, one of the Warwick Historical Society’s coordinators. “Kids dress up for the parade with George Washington leading the way. Whole neighborhoods dress in period costumes.” Local food is served including hot dogs from the Quaker Creek Store in Pine Island and ice cream made at the Bellvale Creamery. The Bruderhof in Sugar Loaf is even supplying the Maypole. Skinner said the event has been happening for at least 80 years; some believe it’s been going on for a century. Year after year, the community gathers to commemorate Warwick’s most famous visitor, who actually came to Warwick on July 27, 1782. It is documented in the Library of Congress Washington documented all of his trips and meals. The day’s events kick off at 2 p.m. with a parade down Main Street, starting at Baird’s Tavern. George Washington himself will be at the front, accompanied by a fife and drum corps. Dean Malissa of the American Historical Theatre Workshop will play Washington. Malissa is one of only two actors sanctioned by Mount Vernon, Washington’s homestead, to portray him. Many of the parade participants dress in 1700s costumes. After the parade, there are games from Colonial times, including hopscotch, races and the Maypole. The day ends with a covered dish dinner at 6 p.m., square dancing and live music by the Glory Bound Band beginning at 7 p.m., all at Lewis Park. Skinner called the day “pretty cool” and said it is a great opportunity for people to learn more about the role Warwick played in our nation’s history. “This is Warwick’s little Williamsburg,” she said. The Warwick Historical Society sponsors open house tours of Warwick's historic buildings each July and August on Tuesday and Saturday from 2-4:30 p.m. For more information about activities and other aspects of Warwick history, go to the Society’s Web site atwww.warwickhistoricalsociety.org or call 986-3236.