The week prior to the celebration and on the Friday of that weekend, historic tours of Plymouth and her monuments are offered to the public free of charge by Education Director Dr. Paul Jehle. The purpose of these tours is to teach tourists and visitors the Pilgrim story, explaining the purpose, meaning and significance of Plymouth’s monuments.
On Friday night each year, a Veterans Memorial Concert and Sponsor Appreciation Night is given to honor all who have served in our Armed Forces. Not only is there entertainment from the best groups in the nation.
On Saturday morning, the opening ceremony of our parade symbolically portrays the faith of the Pilgrims with the lighting of a candle and a brief explanation of the 400th anniversary of our Pilgrim forbears leading up to 2020. In addition, an explanation of the historic nature of our parade is told both on the waterfront as well as in studio on a live broadcast on local cable television. In this way, throughout the entire parade as it passes by the waterfront staging area, people are being instructed on the chronological history of America as it “floats” by them.
Following the parade on Saturday, a feast of historic education and family fun awaits all who visit the waterfront:
- The Food Truck Alley will grace the waterfront with globally influenced eats, giving you the opportunity to enjoy city-style eating in the suburbs. Both city-based and local trucks and vendors will participate in this unique event.
- The Children’s Pavilion is a wonderful area to bring the kids for activities. The tent is filled with activities like face painting, tool box building, photos, games and more!!
- Hometown Craft Beer and Wine Garden is a tented area on the waterfront to show your patriotic colors while you kick back with friends, food, tunes and a sweet selection of reds, whites and brews. There is no better way to celebrate our holiday and our nation than by drinking in America’s fruits of the vane and amber waver of grain.
- Colonial crafters demonstrate trades – from blacksmithing to weaving and other crafts that illustrate earlier time periods of American history.
- Living historians tell historic stories – from Pilgrims who interpret the various monuments and are waiting to discuss life in the 1600’s, to soldiers in the American Revolution and later wars, stories that bring history alive await all on the waterfront;
- On Saturday night a Drum and Bugle Corps Reunion Concert features the best of the patriotic music from the post-World War II era. An explanation of some aspect of the history of Drum and Bugle Corps takes place during the evening, as well as an explanation of each unit and their unique accomplishments. Memorial Hall is filled with those who gather to hear their favorite Corps that demonstrates loyalty and commitment to American values.
- Saturday Night will also feature an Illumination event in collaboration with the Plymouth 400.
On Sunday the tents on the waterfront are taken over by local farmers and artisans for the largest Harvest Market in the area all year. Just in time to get all your fresh local ingredients for your Thanksgiving Feast!
