19th Annual July 4th Declaration of Independence Reading! This event has become a fun tradition for north jersey families! Come spend the day at Ringwood Manor for the annual Declaration of Independence celebration! On Wednesday, July 4, 2018 Ringwood State Park will mark its 19th year holding the Independence Day event. The event features a dramatic delivery and reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Manor’s porch along with colonial activities and demonstrations. Revolutionary War reenactors from New Jersey Militia- Heard's Brigade, the 35th Regiment of Foot - Royal Sussex Society, the The Friends of Long Pond Ironworks, the Oakland Historical Society, Inc., and individual reenactors help celebrate the 242nd anniversary of American independence and bring the experience to life. The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4th, 1776. News of its creation spread to the colonists in America through traditional public readings in large, open places such as town squares, churches, and taverns. The first public reading of the document was to a crowd in Philadelphia on July 8th, 1776, four days after its creation. A day later, it was first read aloud to Washington’s Continental troops in New York City. The celebration at Ringwood Manor attempts to recreate the same excitement first felt when colonists heard those famous words 240 years ago. The festivities will begin at 10am when Ringwood Manor will be open to the public as an "open house." Come wander through 30 rooms and take in the history of the site! At 1:00 p.m., the fun starts to pick up steam as colonial era toys and games will be available for children to play with. Young and old can sign their “John Hancock” on a copy of the Declaration using a traditional quill pen and ink. Colonial crafters, demonstrations, and displays will help to create an atmosphere of a town square in front of Ringwood Manor. The reenactment will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a short introduction about the history of the area and the Declaration of Independence. A lively debate among members of the crowd will break out, involving British soldiers, area Loyalists, and the supporters of the cause for independence, the colonial rebels. After the debate concludes, the local militia unit will form and muster up. Soon after, the Declaration will be delivered by a horse & rider to the front steps of Ringwood Manor. The document will then be read to the crowd at 2:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to listen closely and cheer and jeer during the reading. Following the reading there will be a traditional flag raising with the “Hopkinson” flag used for the event. Believed to be the first version of the new country’s flag, it was designed by and named after New Jersey’s own Francis Hopkinson. After the flag is raised, the militia will fire a ceremonial musket volley and the bell at Ringwood Manor will be rung thirteen times to conclude the ceremony. But the fun isn't over yet! The public is encouraged to stay after the ceremony as the celebration continues. Children are encouraged to join the Continental Army and learn military drills. Colonial dancing will take place in the back gardens with the @North River Historical Dancers. All are welcome to join the fun! There is no charge for the Independence Day celebration. There is, however, a parking fee to enter Ringwood State Park of $5 for in-state residents, and $7 for out-of-state residents. Ringwood Manor will be open to the public between 10am and 1:30pm only to allow for the event to proceed as scheduled. The entrance fee for Ringwood Manor is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. The event will take place rain or shine. Independence Day at Ringwood Manor is sponsored by the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society and the Ringwood State Park staff. For information, call (973) 962-7031 ext. 0 or visit www.RingwoodManor.org.