Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania would not miss George Washington’s 294th birthday! The park is celebrating on February 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities for kids including Quill Pen Writing, Whirly-Gig Game Making, and a soldiers’ drill. Visitors can also enjoy colonial cooking, spinning, blacksmithing, musket firing, artillery demonstrations, and more. The museum and gift shop will be open to explore.
At 1:45 p.m., gather in the Visitor Center to sing “Happy Birthday” to Gen. Washington and watch as he cuts his birthday cake with his sword.
Children 12 and under can participate in the park’s Let’s Draw George contest. Create a handmade birthday card or piece of art featuring Washington in any medium or style — creativity is encouraged. Contest entries can be brought to the February 15 birthday party event, made onsite, or mailed to: Friends of Washington Crossing Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977.
Artists can draw Washington at any age, in any historical situation, or give him a brand-new portrait that could be hung in an art gallery. Creativity is encouraged. “Washington” and Washington Crossing Historic Park staff will evaluate all entries.
Neatly write the artist’s full name, home address, phone number, and age on the back of the drawing. All submissions must be received on or before February 15. Entries that do not include the artist’s name, address, phone number, and age on the back will not be considered for prizes.
Submissions will be judged in two categories: Ages 7 and younger, and ages 8-12. Entries are welcome from artists of all ages, but only children 12 and younger are eligible for prizes. Park staff will select three winners in each category. The winning drawings will be displayed in the park Visitor Center, and winning artists will receive a family tour of the park including Bowman’s Hill Tower, which commemorates a possible lookout site used by the Continental Army.
