North Shore Historic Revolutionary War Battle Re-Enactment Set For This Weekend

GLOUCESTER, MA — Visitors are urged to plan ahead for the Battle of Gloucester reenactment events at Stage Fort Park this weekend, as the city prepares for large crowds and travel disruptions.

The Battle of Gloucester Reenactment Committee said the events are expected to draw crowds similar to last year's Battle of Bunker Hill reenactment at Stage Fort Park, which gathered nearly 20,000 people.

The Battle of Gloucester reenactment will be one of the largest reenactment events in the state, celebrating a pivotal early victory and skirmish directly tied to the birth of the Continental Navy.

The colonial victory against the British navy in Gloucester Harbor instilled confidence that they could stand toe-to-toe with the world's strongest naval force and win.

Battle reenactments will take place on both land and sea. The maritime battle reenactment will take place in the morning and can be viewed from Cressy Beach, with British ships and colonials firing at one another.

The land battle will take place in the afternoon and feature hundreds of reenactors.

Between the battle reenactment, the area surrounding the battlefields will be transformed into 18th-century Massachusetts, featuring historical interpreters of life in an 18th-century port town.

Colonial-style vendors, a realistic military-style encampment where reenactors will cook, sleep and eat throughout the weekend, and historical speakers whom visitors can speak to and learn about life during the Revolution will be part of the extensive program.

Parking will be available at Stage Fort Park for $35 cash per day and at locations throughout Gloucester. Additional sites are intended to accommodate all spectators attending the event.

Free shuttle service will run throughout the day between the West Gloucester commuter rail station, select parking areas and Stage Fort Park.

Shuttle bus service from the West Gloucester train station will begin at 7:45 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Service from remote parking locations will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be no shuttle service from Stage Fort Park, Gloucester High School or Gloucester Cinema because those locations are within walking distance of the events.

Visitors also can use the MBTA's Newburyport/Rockport line to reach the West Gloucester Commuter Rail Station, where shuttle service will be available. Riders should board a Rockport-bound train because the tracks split in Beverly.

The downtown Gloucester train station is another option and is 1.3 miles from Stage Fort Park.

Drivers coming from Interstate 95 can take Route 128, then exit 53 to Route 133, continue on Essex Avenue for about 3 miles and turn right onto Western Avenue. Stage Fort Park will be the next left.