Bristol Borough will hold a parade Sunday to mark the 200th anniversary of the Revolutionary War hero's return to the United States.
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 1:14 pm ET
BRISTOL BOROUGH, PA —The borough will mark the 200th anniversary of a Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette's return with a parade this Sunday.
This celebration is part of the National Lafayette 200 Celebration, a 13-month-long bicentennial honoring Lafayette’s triumphant return to the United States.
Beginning in New York City and spanning the original 24 states he visited during his 1824-1825 tour, each event reaffirms Lafayette’s enduring legacy of freedom, equality, and human rights.
This grand celebration promises to be one of the most memorable events in Bristol Borough's storied history, bringing together the charm of this historic riverfront town and the timeless legacy of Lafayette, organizers said.
Festivities will kick off at 2 p.m. at Adams Hollow Bridge (a block away from St. Mark’s Church), with a parade down Radcliffe Street, recreating Lafayette's grand procession.
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The streets will be adorned with colorful banners as local students in festive attire shower the procession with flowers, while the Freemasons of Bristol, local firefighters in full-dress uniforms, and the Pennsbury High School Marching Band add to the patriotic display. Lafayette himself (portrayed by Mark Schneider) in a horse-drawn carriage will follow as the "piece de resistance".
In addition, Bristol Borough Mayor, Ralph DiGuiseppe III, will unveil a new Lafayette Street sign marker, created by Kitsie Saldan, a member of the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation.
The parade will culminate in a lively stage event at the corner of Radcliffe and Mill Streets, where in addition to remarks from local dignitaries and leadership, reenactors will bring history to life, including:
Adding to the excitement will be live music performances from the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation Community Band, the Snyder-Girotti Elementary Band, and the Bristol High School Drumline.
The grand finale of the celebration will be the unveiling and dedication of a beautiful new, Lafayette Mural.
The artwork, created by renowned muralist Jared Bader, has been generously gifted by BMP Development Co. and will stand as a lasting testament to Lafayette's visit, cementing Bristol Borough’s role in America’s historic journey toward freedom.
After the procession and ceremony, visitors are invited to stay and enjoy the day in Bristol’s vibrant and booming downtown area, where local restaurants, bars, and stores will offer special dishes and drinks inspired by Lafayette himself.