On Saturday, December 28tth, you and your family are invited to the Capital City to take part in one of the community’s most cherished end-of-year events, the Assunpink Firewalk. Guests will gather at 4pm 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, as well as a battalion of Continental Soldiers to walk alongside you in this time-honored tradition. 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 fearsome fighting skills with a number of demonstrations, offering public participation along the way. 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 lively tunes to soundtrack the evening, this happy and historic evening is certain to be a delight for the entire family.
“The American Crisis,” a pamphlet penned by the renowned Enlightenment figure Thomas Paine, emerged during the most tumultuous periods of the Revolutionary War. Amidst the devastation of war, as troops and morale dwindled, the Continental Army faced an uncertain future. Paine’s words, beginning with the poignant line “These are the times that try men’s souls,” resonated deeply in the hearts of the fledgling American spirit.
Just three days before the pivotal Battle of Trenton, Paine’s words illuminated a period of profound darkness. In what felt like the dawning country’s darkest hours, Paine stirred the hearts of Revolutionary War troops with the inspirational reminder that “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” Paine’s words were a welcome buoy for the souls of the Continental troops’ determination, ultimately leading to their triumphant victory at Trenton and turning the tide of the war in favor of the American cause.
This year’s Patriots Week, a week-long living history celebration in Trenton, is organized by the City of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture. Patriots Week is a collaborative effort between the City of Trenton, Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), and the Barracks Museum, supported by various local organizations and non-profits.
Patriots Week offers a festive and immersive way to learn about Trenton’s historical significance, particularly its role during the Revolutionary War. For more information about this year’s Patriots Week and the exciting events it features, visit their website: Patriots Week – Home.
If you have any questions prior to the Assunpink Firewalk, please contact the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture at (609) 989-3369 for further assistance. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of Trenton’s most cherished events and ignite your passion for history.
