Harford County residents can spend Saturday at a free all-day festival marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, with events running from morning through evening.
What’s happening: The Aberdeen 250 Celebrate America event takes place Saturday, Sept. 5, at Festival Park in Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Historical Museum will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. as part of the day’s activities.
The schedule:
- 8 a.m.: Aberdeen 250 Freedom 5K Run/Walk (registration required at bluecheetahtiming.com; fee applies)
- 10 a.m.: Festival Park opens with kids activities, food, vendors, and exhibits
- 11:30 a.m.: Revolutionary Route March from East Aberdeen to Festival Park
- 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Opening ceremony at Festival Park
- 1 to 4 p.m.: Patriotic music, history exhibits, 1st Maryland Regiment reenactors, veterans, Declaration of Independence and Liberty Tree displays, games, and food
- 6 to 9 p.m.: Family activities and fireworks at Ripken Stadium (free, but registration required)
The history behind the march: The march recreates a 1781 troop movement through the Aberdeen area and Harford County, when combined American and French forces passed through on their way to Yorktown, Virginia. That campaign, which historians consider the largest troop movement of the Revolutionary War, ended with British General Cornwallis surrounded and forced to surrender, securing American independence.
What this means for you: Evening fireworks at Ripken Stadium are free but require advance registration at forms.gle/wowrCQEyVgfJwdHB8. For schedule updates and march route details, visit Aberdeen250.org.
