American Independence Festival
Ages: 0 - 14+
Cost: Adults: $10 | Children ages 12-18: $5 | Children under 12: Free
Parking: Yes - Free
Features: Restrooms
July 18, 2015
The American Independence Festival is the main event each year at Exeter's American Independence Museum, commemorating the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the townspeople of Exeter on July 16, 1776 (hence the belated, post-July-4 celebration date).
The event boasts more than 100 costumed interpreters of history, a reenactment of the horseback delivery of the Declaration back in 1776, and an artisan village featuring demonstrations of coopering, blacksmithing, basketweaving, granite splitting, and more.
Additionally, the Exeter Parks and Recreation Department sponsors fireworks and a band concert following the American Independence Festival. Live music by SoulMate starts at 6:45 pm, followed by fireworks at dusk in Swasey Parkway.