WASHINGTON – Historic Washington State Park will host several different activities celebrating “America 250” from Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5.
The Declaration of Independence will be read three times each day from the front porch of the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Living history programs will be presented at some of the different historic sites in town that talk about the national connection of many of Washington’s past residents. Historic games will be available to play along with a station to make your own patriotic cockade. Special programming about how Washingtonians celebrated the nation’s 79th birthday in 1855, famous travelers who came through Washington on the Southwest Trail, and how national independence may have had unexpected outcomes will also be available.
On Friday evening, July 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Stewart family of Many, Louisiana will be performing as part of the Music in the Park: “Celebrating America” series sharing their love of bluegrass and Americana music. A presentation by the Washington Vintage Dancers will precede the performance. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the evening. Food available for purchase beginning at 6pm on the lawn of the courthouse.
BBQ and other southern foods will be available at Williams Tavern Restaurant throughout the festive weekend. Horse-drawn carriage rides will also be provided, weather permitting.
Exhibits that explore 250 years of United States history, through the perspective of a small southwest Arkansas town of Washington will be at the park visitor center for viewing along with a self-guided tour of the streets of Washington, and the American heroes they are named after.
For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.