Published April 23. 2026 11:06AM
cThe free, family-friendly event featured historical reenactors portraying figures such as Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin, militia demonstrations, fife and drum performances, and a colonial encampment highlighting life in the 18th century. Visitors also enjoyed Liberty Bell displays, student history projects, and rides on the WK&S Railroad’s Liberty Express, while food, raffles and an evening hoedown added to the festive atmosphere. Organized by local historical societies, the event aimed to honor area patriots and connect the community with its early American roots.
Bernadette Sukley
PRESS PHOTOs BY BERNADETTE SUKLEYDrum Major Joshua Arthur Fink, leads the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps.
Ben Franklin (played by Mitchell Kramer) chats with passengers on the WK&S Liberty transporting everyone to the Kempton Community Center. Just shy of his 320th birthday (April 17, 1706), Franklin spoke of his passion for newsprint, life in Philadelphia and his part in the founding of the United States of America.
Riders and sisters, Lyrina and Aiona get ready to embark on the WK&S Liberty Express to travel back in time.
Drummer boy Jonah Tucker next to his rope bass drum performing with the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps (based in Topton).
Keeping the troops fed was an all day affair. Camp cook, Antonia Davis adds dumplings to her chicken stew. Most of the time soldiers ate what they could catch, hunt or trap that day.
Re-enactor Brett Davis chats with a visitor about the metal-smithing necessary to produce the long rifle. Pennsylvania (or Kentucky) rifles were developed by German gunsmiths in Pennsylvania, these rifles were characterized by very long barrels--often over 4 feet long. For the Revolutionary War however. many soldiers used muskets which were lighter and easier to carry.
738 Camp follower tent
Camp followers MacKenzie Toth, Arija Jonassaint, Aria Isenberg, Kyla Carmody. These young ladies from Northwestern Lehigh Middle School are working on receiving credit in their social studies classes by volunteering at this colonial re-enactment. During the Revolutionary War, camp followers (mostly wives, children and relatives of the soldiers) would support the troops by cooking, cleaning, nursing and sewing. Although dangerous, these ladies bravely stayed by the armies and contributed to the success of the different campaigns.
Boy Scout Troop 104 from Krumsville. For 50 years, Troop 104 has proudly served the Northeastern Berks and Northwestern Lehigh community through our charter with Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.
