REV FEST 250 At Ward Pound Ridge Will Bring The Hudson Valley's Revolutionary History To Life

CROSS RIVER, NY — The Hudson Valley played an oversized role in the country's founding. Your chance to live the moments that created a nation 250 years ago is this weekend.

REV FEST 250, a free, two-day outdoor festival marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, will be held Oct. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River. County officials described it as Westchester County's signature commemoration event.

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The festival will include authentic Continental and British Army encampments, military drills, musket and artillery firing, artisan trades, and hands-on living history demonstrations. More than 500 volunteer living-history exhibitors portraying soldiers and civilians are expected, along with a large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains featuring more than 1,000 reenactors representing 75 historical uniformed units.

"We're proud to welcome visitors and residents to experience the living legacy of Westchester's pivotal role in America's founding," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "This momentous event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains marking the October 28, 1776 clash between General George Washington and British/Hessian forces. REV FEST 250 is an immersive large-scale festival that's great fun for the whole family, connecting our County's roots to the modern day, showcasing how Westchester is a place where history lives on."

Performance highlights are set to include West Point's Benny Havens Band, the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble, a Hamilton Sing-Along, and drum and fife music. The county also said Master Storyteller Jonathon Kruk, Drama from the Past, and History at Play are scheduled to present Revolutionary War-themed performances during the weekend.

The event is being presented in partnership with Revolutionary Westchester 250 and the Brigade of the American Revolution.

"REV FEST 250 is a unique opportunity to bring the history of the American Revolution to life in Westchester," RW250 President Constance Kehoe said. "Engaging people of all ages and interests through immersive experiences, dynamic storytelling, and a deeper appreciation of our nation's roots."

Admission is free. Families are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, and leashed dogs will be permitted, according to the event information.

No parking will be available at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Offsite parking will be available at the Bedford Hills Train Station, John Jay Homestead, and Katonah Train Station Lot 3, with free continuous shuttle service beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Visitors can also take Metro-North's Harlem Line to Bedford Hills or Katonah, where free shuttles will run to the reservation. The last shuttle back to the train stations is scheduled for 4:50 p.m., and the final shuttle to offsite parking lots will leave at 5 p.m. More information is available here.