10 AM – 5 PM
August 12th & 13th
In August of 1777 a decisive battle took place 9 miles from a much-needed storehouse, where the Monument now stands. A small contingent of minute men and farmers stayed behind guarding the storehouse. Reenactors will be onsite to discuss the importance of the Battle of Bennington and what life was like for Colonial Soldiers. This is an ongoing outdoor event and will include a battle reenactment, musket drills, a drum and fife demonstration, and more!
The first event is the 19th annual Battle Day 5K, starting at 8:30 AM. The race begins on the North side of the circle, around and down Walloomsac Road to the Airport and back. There is also a ‘fun run’ around the circle for young children. Registration for the race is online only, the form is on the website: benningtonbattlemonument.com. The Friends Group is working to have adequate volunteers directing traffic and parking. Local participation is welcome. The race will start with musket fire, which is one of the unique parts of the race.
Another event happening Saturday is the free Fife and Drum Concert, with the Moodus Drum and Fife Corp. The Moodus Drums are the same drums that were played at the dedication of the Monument 132 years ago, August 19th, 1891. An account of their appearance at the Monument’s dedication can be found in the ‘Dedication Book’ on page 72. The concert starts at noon, they play 4 sets, each set is 20 minutes, with a 10-minute rest. The Corp will be in the Battle Day parade on Sunday.
A colonial powderhorn maker will be demonstrating his craft Saturday, along with approximately 25 re-enactors camping on the lawn as they have done in the past. They start arriving and setting up camp Friday evening. The public is welcome to visit and talk with them once they are set up. There will be cannon firing as part of their encampment event Saturday, and Sunday morning. We have set times for firing their 3 rounds on Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. There will only be one firing of 3 rounds on Sunday around 11:30 and then they break up camp.
Please contact me at the Monument with any suggestions or questions
