Home Care In Washington Crossing, PA

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA —Calling all beer enthusiasts! Want to score two tickets and swag to Washington Crossing Historic Park’s 2024 Brewfest? They’re having a social media caption contest during the month of March. This is a golden opportunity to get free beer gear and entry to the event on Saturday, May 4 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1638 River Road New Hop 18938.

“Tickets have been selling each day, but we want to give every beer lover the opportunity to attend," said Jennifer Martin, executive director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. "If you've never been before, it’s an incredible event, which is why we are back for our 13th year. We are so thankful to our attendees, many who have made it an annual tradition. The contest is designed so that both new and returning attendees have a chance to win.”

Starting on March 4 hop-timistic contestants can enter the “Caption This Photo” contest.

Write the funniest caption you can think of for the photograph posted on Washington Crossing Brewfest’s Facebook page at @WashingtonCrossingBrewfest, or the park’s Instagram page at @WashingtonCrossingPark and Twitter (X) at @WashXingPark. Entries can also be submitted via email at [email protected].

The winner will receive two general admission tickets, plus a t-shirt, hoodie, and hat from Visit Bucks County’s Ale Trail. The contest is open until March 29 at 11:59 p.m. and the winner will be announced on April 1.

At the Washington Crossing Brewfest, taste beverages from dozens of local, regional, and nationally-known breweries in a souvenir sampling cup. This isn’t your typical parking lot beer festival —instead, participants will enjoy a picturesque location in a natural wooded environment.

In addition to their wide selection of IPA’s, this year attendees will be able to sample a variety of beer and brewed malt beverages - including hard ciders, kombuchas, seltzers, spiked teas, and more. Food vendors will be serving festival fare onsite. Live music will be provided by First Highland Watch, a rock ‘n roll bagpipe band, and the park’s Fife and Drum Corps.

General admission tickets are $55 and a limited number of Designated Driver tickets are available for $17.76 until sold out. To purchase your tickets online, visit www.washingtoncrossingbrewfest.com. Avoid paying online fees at Washington Crossing Historic Park’s Visitor Center at 1112 River Road Washington Crossing 18977 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Brewfest is hosted by and benefits the non-profit Friends of Washington Crossing Park. Every dollar collected helps educate the public, promote the historic events that took place in Bucks County in 1776, and preserve the park’s colonial-era buildings and artifacts.

Breweries, food vendors, and those interested in sponsoring the event should contact Katherine Manning at [email protected] before March 15. This year's sponsors include Crown, First National Bank, Open Door Valet, Port A Bowl, Richboro Beer & Soda, Triumph Brewing, and Yards Brewing.

WASHINGTON CROSSING — The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is considering the possible replacement of the 119-year-old Washington Crossing Toll-Supported Bridge.

The commission earlier this year posted a request for proposals (RFP) to procure a consulting team that would conduct a multi-year environmental review process identifying and examining numerous issues and hurdles before a new bridge could be designed and built.

The commission in mid-January hosted a forum with interested consulting firms. This first-step procurement process is anticipated to end with the award of a contract to the most responsive consulting team at the commission’s June meeting.

The current Washington Crossing Bridge has been a bane to generations of motorists, said the commission in a news release announcing the potential future replacement of the bridge.

According to the commission, it is the narrowest of its 18 vehicular bridges, with a 15-foot-wide roadway that often forces motorists to a crawl in 7.5-foot-wide lanes - one in each direction. In comparison, the width of an interstate highway travel lane is 12 feet.

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Minor fender-bender-type incidents and broken sideview mirrors are frequently reported at the bridge, which pre-dates mass-production of automobiles and was constructed in 1904-05 for a locally owned cash-strapped private company that charged tolls to cross it in either direction by horse, vehicle, or on foot.

The bridge has been publicly-owned and operated without a toll since 1922. The Commission has owned the bridge since July 1, 1987.

The RFP states that the bridge’s steel through-truss superstructure “has experienced structural deterioration and does not meet current design standards, which creates reliability and safety concerns.” The commission has reached the point where it is considering replacing the bridge.

The major task to be completed under the pending RFP is to advance a potential bridge replacement through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and preliminary engineering. The Federal Highway Administration says NEPA mandates that agencies “consider the potential environmental consequences of their proposals, document analysis and make this information available to the public for comment prior to implementation.”

The commission’s ultimate objective with the NEPA process would be the acquisition of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from an applicable lead federal oversight agency. Should a FONSI be issued, the commission could then advance a potential replacement bridge from concept to actual design and construction. In addition to environmental considerations, the NEPA process would also examine other potential issues such as impacts to recreation, cultural history, and communities.

According to the commission, the underlying goal of the process is to improve mobility and provide a safe and reliable river crossing for vehicles and pedestrians.

Environmental considerations would include preservation of the quality of the existing Delaware River habitat and its associated resources, including wetlands, threatened and endangered plant and animal species, and aquatic life.

Cultural and historic stakeholder goals would include minimizing historical impacts wherever possible and implementing context-sensitive design solutions. Community goals include maintaining the charming small town and historical environment of the surrounding areas.

According to the RFP, the goal of the environmental review process would be to obtain a FONSI within 30 months (2-1/2 years) after the consulting team is brought on board and given direction to proceed. A 30-month time frame conceivably would take until 2027 before the commission would initiate permit acquisition, design, etc. for a proposed replacement bridge.

In addition to analyzing a range of replacement alternatives, the NEPA process is to also examine a "No-Build" alternative (the option of not replacing the bridge).

The NEPA process would involve research, deliberation, consultation, and the completion of a lengthy report to be issued for public review and hearings. The RFP anticipates that an Environmental Assessment (EA) document would be the type of report needed for the proposed bridge replacement.

The current steel, double-Warren-truss Washington Crossing Bridge opened to traffic April 11, 1905. It was constructed by the long defunct New Jersey Bridge Company of Manasquan, N.J. The bridge’s original owners were the Taylorsville Delaware Bridge Company, which was established in 1831, and a newer companion Washington Crossing Bridge Company, which was formed in 1904 to raise the additional capital that was needed to build the current bridge.

The bridge replaced a former wooden covered bridge that was destroyed during the “Pumpkin Flood” of October 1903. The first wooden bridge at the location was constructed in 1833-34 and opened as a tolled crossing on January 1, 1835.

The current steel bridge has been rehabilitated multiple times over the past 12 decades. The bridge carried an average of 7,200 vehicles per day in 2023. Its highest usage years were 2013 and 2016 when the bridge handled an average 7,500 vehicle per day.

The bridge has a three-ton weight restriction, enforced by bridge monitors stationed 24/7 at a shelter on the bridge’s New Jersey approach. More than 2,000 oversized vehicles were turned away at the bridge in 2023.

A toll-supported bridge is free for the public’s use, but the cost of operating and maintaining the bridge is funded by a portion of the tolls collected at the commission’s eight toll bridges.

TITUSVILLE, N.J. — Can you imagine rowing through ice floes and then trudging 10 miles through a blizzard in the middle of the night — and your destination is a battle to decide the fate of your country?

The paintings that show General Washington crossing the Delaware on that snowy Christmas night in 1776 have forever caught the imagination of the public — so much so that reenactments in Pennsylvania attract thousands of visitors each year.

But what happened once the troops landed in New Jersey?

On Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the public is invited to join New Jersey State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and other New Jersey-based reenactor groups who will offer the public an opportunity to experience both the crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it.

“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey,” which takes place on the same day as the crossing rehearsal on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, will unfold at the New Jersey park’s “Overlook,” next to the historic Johnson Ferry House, with a view of the river below.

The troops land on the New Jersey side of the Delaware. (Contributed)

Reenactors will patrol the lower park and encourage visitors to undertake a brief “march” — led by Ronald Rinaldi as General Nathaneal Greene — over the park’s pedestrian bridge and up to its overlook to be met with cozy fires, hot cider, and skilled reenactors who will regale them with tales of the history that took place in Mercer County.

New Jersey historians will narrate the Crossing rehearsal in real time, and special efforts will be made to engage the youngest visitors in hopes of sparking their interest in New Jersey history.

The encampment at the park's overlook will be anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who made history as the first African American colonial reenacting unit hosting an event in a New Jersey State Park. Members of the First Rhode Island will portray the roles of black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines and musicians. They will be supported by members from the Northampton County Militia, Lamb's Artillery, Lt. Trevett's Company of Marines, and the New Jersey 3rd Regiment (New Jersey Greys).

This year the reenactors will be joined by the New Jersey Fifes and Drums.

Just beyond the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where historians Leslie Brammet and Larry Kidder will speak on the contributions of New Jersey families, including women, soldiers, farmers, and African Americans both free and enslaved.

The park’s stone barn will feature an exhibit entitled, “Oh Freedom,” which chronicles the contributions of African Americans in the Revolution, as well as the Park’s large Crossing Diorama.

The Johnson Ferry House, the only remaining structure from the 1776 Christmas Crossing. (Contributed)

Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Johnson Ferry House (the only remaining witness structure from the 1776 Crossing) where park historian Nancy Ceperly and her crew of volunteers will give tours, answer questions, and serve free hot cider to visitors.

A food truck will be on site, with both breakfast and lunch dishes available for sale.

Entrance is free, although a suggested donation of $10 per car is requested to help cover costs.

The event is supported by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The program is also made possible in part by the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage through funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission. It is further supported by generous sponsorships from the Swan Historical Foundation, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of NJ, author Salina B Baker, NJM Insurance, Northfield Bank, and the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of NJ.

It has been 247 years since Gen. George Washington commanded thousands of troops on Christmas Day 1776 to cross the Delaware River to New Jersey, a daring risk that turned out to be a turning point of the Revolutionary War.

Once again this holiday season, a Bucks County tradition returns to commemorate the crossing.

The crossing reenactments is the highlight of the annual Christmas Day event that draws thousands of people to the banks of the river in Washington Crossing, and Titusville, New Jersey.

Here's what to know about this year's crossing events:

75th anniversary of reenacting George Washington crossing the Delaware

The reenactments will occur on Sunday, Dec. 10th and Monday, Dec. 25th at the Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32/River Road in Upper Makefield.

The annual reenactments draw upward of 10,000 spectators to the park to watch uniformed soldiers gather in 60-foot-long Durham boats to cross the Delaware, weather permitting.

Wasington's Crossing is minted on coin:Washington crossing the Delaware River depicted on new quarter

The first reenactment begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10th, with the actual crossing taking place from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.

The Christmas Day Crossing reenactment festivities begins at noon, while the actual crossing commences at 1 p.m.

Aside from witnessing the crossing reenactment, attendees will join in colonial demonstrations with reenactment actors, and will be invited to participate in activities with a period baker and blacksmith.

Tickets to reenactment on Dec. 10 are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages five to 11, and free for children under five.

Tickets to the first reenactment are available for purchase online.

Admission to the Christmas Day reenactment is free, but it is suggested that attendees arrive by 11:30 a.m. for a good view.

U.S. Marine Jason Q. Bohm will narrate both reenactments.

Take our history quiz:A bit of trivia about Washington's epic crossing of the Delaware in 1776

About George Washington crossing the Delaware

Washington Crossing Historical Park is dedicated to Gen. George Washington and his troops who made the daring 1776 crossing of the Delaware River to wage three successful battles in the war, ending with the Battle of Princeton on Jan. 3, 1777, where Washington's troops emerged victorious.

Boats ferried 2,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 18 cannons across the river during the original crossing.

Washington's troops marched eight miles downriver before battling Hessian mercenaries in the streets of Trenton.

Upgrades coming to Washington Crossing:$8.7M project at Washington Crossing Historic Park almost ready to start

Rowboat donated to reenactment efforts:Rowboat donation means Washington Crossing event will happen

According to History.com, Washington crossed the Delaware River hoping to surprise Hessian forces who were celebrating Christmas at their quarters in Trenton. During the crossing, Washington had become separated from many of his troops.

The unconventional attack came after several months of defeats for Washington’s army which resulted in the loss of New York City and other strategic points.

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — Yardley Eye Care has opened a second office in Washington Crossing with its acquisition of Zikoski Vision Associates on Washington Crossing Road.

With its new office, the Lower Makefield-based optometry practice at 1581 Big Oak Road will be expanding its optometry services to Upper Makefield, the historic village of Washington Crossing, and beyond.

“We’re proud to reach an even larger patient base who will appreciate our signature service. We handle everything from contact lens fitting to LASIK surgery management to after-hours emergency care,” said Dr. Brian Cohen, the founder of Yardley Eye Care. “We know how eye problems can strike in the evening, and patients need care right away. Now our patients have two offices from which to choose and we’re eager to serve them.”

Using state-of-the-art technology, Yardley Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams; management of LASIK surgery; contact lens fittings; emergency services; and treatment of eye diseases including glaucoma, dry eye, myopia, hyperopia, diabetic retinopathy, double vision, macular degeneration, cataracts, and more. After-hours emergency care is available.

Since its original location on Big Oak Road opened a decade ago, Yardley Eye Care has distinguished itself with state-of-the-art technology and excellent patient service to meet all vision needs.

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Yardley Eye Care at Washington Crossing features state-of-the-art technology, comprehensive optometry services, excellent patient service, and a full range of designer eyewear. (Photo credit: FZ Creative/Bryan Smith)

Dr. Cohen, Dr. Christine Nicholson, and Dr. Shawn Morris will run both Yardley Eye Care and Yardley Eye Care at Washington Crossing. All are fellows of the American Academy of Optometry and specialize in the treatment and management of ocular disease.

Dr. Cohen is one of the area’s foremost experts on refractive surgery. He has assisted in the training of many surgeons in this field, has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has traveled the country extensively lecturing to his peers.

Dr. Cohen is devoted to Bucks County, his hometown. He’s involved in the Pennsbury School District, local youth organizations and sports teams, and is a charter member of the Lions Club. He and his optometry team are eager to bring their community spirit and dedication to the Washington Crossing community.

The Yardley Eye Care team, from left, are Drs. Shawn Morris, Christine Nicholson, and founder Brian Cohen. (Photo credit: FZ Creative/Bryan Smith)