| Declaration of Independence Arrives for Exeter Festival July 21 |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The 22nd annual American Independence Festival will be held on Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the Town of
“The Festival Committee enjoyed last year’s addition of a meal on Friday evening and Carroll Hazen of Angelino’s Sausage House generously offered again to provide chicken or hot dog meals and all profit will benefit the

MusicalArts Academy of Music and Dance will be offering three performances of “1776: A Musical” on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., plus a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for youth 18 and under. With music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book by Peter Stone, the story dramatizes the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, focusing on John Adams’ efforts to persuade his colleagues to vote for freedom from
On Saturday, the festival kicks off with the traditional
Stephanie Rohwer Hewson, who coordinates the

“We decided to shine a light on
The festival highlight for many is the public viewing of the original Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence as well as Gilman’s draft copy of the United States Constitution. Throughout the day, festival visitors can try their hand at various traditional crafts, meet and learn from historic role players, tour both the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern, watch military maneuvers, learn the minuet, and enjoy colonial games and other children’s crafts, as well as meet local artists and craftspeople.
Gail Colglazier, the museum’s executive director added, “We encourage Exeter-area residents to celebrate this town’s revolutionary past and its thriving future. There are so many community-wide events planned that day, such as the crafts fair at Town Hall and Sidewalk Sales downtown that it’s really Exeter’s day to shine.”
An admission fee of $7 will cover all events on the museum grounds and buildings. Those under 10 years of age are admitted free of charge, as are Museum Members. Events on
“The battle portrayal is one of the most well-attended programs of the festival, and it is the most costly aspect as well, with six contingents of soldiers re-enacting the tactics of the day,” said Hewson. “It is dramatic, well-researched, and informative, so I hope viewers will strongly consider offering a donation to off-set the costs.”
Redhook Brewery’s latest Brewers’ Backyard Release, American
Thirsty festival visitors over the age of 21 will be able to purchase a wristband offering up to three brews; each serving will be $5 apiece. Identification will be checked and guests must remain within the fenced-in area to enjoy the crisp ale.
A limited number of spaces are left for artists, crafters, or non-profit organizations wishing to participate, and the deadline is July 1. If interested, please call 603-772-2622, email Stephanie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or download the Booth Vendor Form at http://www.independencemuseum.org/aim_aif.asp. There is a table fee and certain restrictions regarding what non-profits may sell as a fundraiser; the Festival Committee reviews the applications and makes the final decision. No additional Food Vendor spots are available.