Bucks County Park Celebrates Washington's Birthday With Cake, History

UPPER MAKEFIELD — A capacity crowd turned out on Sunday afternoon at Washington Crossing Historic Park to serenade General George Washington with a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”

As smart phones captured the moment and wide-eyed kids watched, Washington, dressed in his striking blue and gold uniform, used a three foot long sword to slice through his red, white and blue birthday cake provided by the Caketeria in Newtown.

“Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!,” came the response from the audience, cheering on the general’s 291st birthday.

The Washington Crossing Fifes and Drums. (photo by Jeff Werner)

An artillery crew prepares to fire a cannon. (photo by Jeff Werner)

“This brings a tear to my heart to see so many people actually remember my birthday - I’ve had so many,” said the general, portrayed by John Godzieba, as he gazed out over a packed visitors center auditorium.

“Thank you for taking time out of your day to celebrate with me and my soldiers,” said Washington, flanked by members of the park’s Fife and Drum Corps.

“This is one of those celebrations at Washington Crossing Historic Park that’s amazing,” said Godzieba. “The crowd, the excitement, the fife and drum music and just the enjoyment of everybody here. And the immense amount of birthday cards that I received. It’s so wonderful to see the patriotism. This is a fantastic day.”

He added that Washington loved a good party and he loved to dance, noting that every year on his birthday he enjoyed a Birth Night Ball.

General Washington confers with one of his officers on the banks of the Delaware. (photo by Jeff Werner)

“He was away from his home for eight years, but even when he was in Philadelphia and other cities his birthday was celebrated by the people of those cities who gave him a great party where he could dance the night away and get his mind off of work.”

Sunday’s birthday party was organized and hosted by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park and highlighted a free day of living history and children’s activities at the park.

Taking advantage of the unusually mild February weather, visitors got to watch musket firings, soldier drills and artillery demonstrations. The day also featured Colonial craft and trade demonstrations, period music, a history-themed scavenger hunt and Colonial games.

New Jersey author Jeff Finnegan, who has penned four books about America’s first President, also joined in the the festivities with a book signing.

New Jersey author Jeff Finnegan. (photo by Jeff Werner)

“This is fantastic,” said Jennifer Martin, the executive director of the Friends of the huge turnout. “We haven’t run this event since COVID so to be able to serve cake again to the public is awesome.

“Washington’s birthday is one of my favorites because it specifically targets families with this event. This has a lot of hands-on kids activities. It’s all about getting the kids interested in history. And we hope they leave here today with a greater appreciation of the past and George Washington in particular.”

Martin said they expected to hand out close to 500 cupcakes to the public on Sunday. Another 100 will be delivered to homeless shelter in Levittown.

Youngsters enjoyed playing Colonial-era games. (photo by Jeff Werner)

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at Washington Crossing Historic Park:

• Wheat and Sheep Day, April 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. (Tickets required)
• Spring Brewfest, May 2 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Tickets required)
• Free jazz concert on the riverbank, May 27 at 6 p.m.
• Memorial Day observation, May 28 beginning at 1 p.m.
• Colonial Field Day, July 1 at 10 a.m. (Registration required)
• Rebels and Redcoats Classic Car Show, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Free)
• Living History Day, July 4 from 12 to 4 p.m. (Tickets required)
• Wine on the Waterfront, July 29 from 3 to 7 pm. (Tickets required)

A re-enactor tells about Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River.