On Saturday, December 30th, you and your family are invited to the Capital City to take part in one of the community’s most cherished traditions, the Assunpink Firewalk. Guests will gather at 5pm at the Historic Iron Bridge at Mill Hill Park, located at East Front Street, S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08608. You will be joined by Mayor Gusciora, friends, neighbors, and a colorful cast of ushers straight from the Continental Army. This is an all-ages event, so all are welcome to be a part of the fun.
Prior to the event, guests are invited to gather at the Old Barracks (101 Barrack St, Trenton, NJ 08608) to march alongside Continental Soldiers as they make their voyage from the barracks to Mill Hill Park. Upon your arrival, the soldiers will be firing their muskets and showing off their skills with a number of demonstrations offering public participation. As darkness falls, the glowing light of the soldiers’ march will illuminate your path. As the sun sets over the Capital City, attendees can enjoy a dramatic reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis”. With cozy hot cocoa and music to score the evening, this happy and historic evening is certain to be a delight for the entire family.
“The American Crisis” was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, who is remembered as a figurehead of the 18th century Enlightenment movement. These writings emerged in the midst of the Revolutionary War, when the Continental Army was in the throws of the devastation of war. As troops and morale alike dwindled, it was uncertain how this ragtag team of soldiers would persist. Beginning with the poignant line, “These are the times that try men’s souls”, “The American Crisis” struck the core of the ethos of the day. Three days before the Battle of Trenton, Paine’s words shone a light amidst a period of great darkness. “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” It was this very notion that drove the Continental troops to victory in the Battle of Trenton, turning the tides for the eventual American victory.
This event is produced by the City of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture as a part of this year’s Patriots Week schedule. Patriots Week, a week-long living history celebration in the Capital City, is a collaboration between City of Trenton, Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), and the Barracks Museum. These efforts are also supported by a number of local organizations and non-profits, each doing their part to bring this beloved tradition to Trenton. Patriots Week is a festive and immersive way to learn more about Trenton’s role throughout history, with a particular emphasis on the Revolutionary War. If you’d like to learn more about this year’s Patriots Week and all the exciting events you can look forward to, please check out their website, linked here: Patriots Week – Home.
For any questions prior to the Assunpink Firewalk, please contact the Dept. of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture at (609) 989-3369 for further assistance. This fascinating program is certain to light up the night, so don’t miss your chance to get fired up at one of the city’s most treasured events.
