Lord Stirling 1770s Festival Set For Expanded 250th Anniversary Event

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Somerset County residents are invited to step into the colonial era this fall at the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival, an annual event that the Somerset County Park Commission says will be expanded this year to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

The festival is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 96 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

The festival is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 96 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

The suggested donation is $5. Dogs are not permitted, except for service animals.

In the event of inclement weather, the festival will be held at 190 Stirling Road.

The Park Commission said Somerset County has deep colonial ties, including George Washington’s troops encamping in the county for two winters, the Battle of Bound Brook, and Basking Ridge’s connection to Major General William Alexander, known as Lord Stirling, who lived in a manor in what is now Lord Stirling Park.

"The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival is always a fantastic way to connect with our nation’s history, but it’s especially wonderful this year during America’s 250th Anniversary," said Somerset County Park Commission Director Dan Hayes. "If you want to get a feeling for what it was like in America’s youth, come on out to Lord Stirling Manor on October 4 th and experience it for yourself."

According to the Park Commission, this year’s event will be larger than ever, with more than forty exhibits and interactive activities planned for the semiquincentennial celebration.

Colonial craftspeople will demonstrate their trades, a Town Crier will announce local news, and militias will conduct maneuvers in preparation for battle against the British.

Visitors will also be able to sample fresh apple cider from manual cider presses, watch performers present 18th century entertainment, and hear musicians play colonial music on period-appropriate instruments.

The Somerset County Park Commission also thanked the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Foundation for helping fund and coordinate the festival.