Ride to Freedom: A Revolutionary Family Celebration
April 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Step back in time and celebrate the spirit of the American Revolution at ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ผ๐บ, ๐ฎ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐-๐ณ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒโ๐ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ.
As Massachusetts marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through the statewide MA250 celebration, Fall River is joining the moment with a fun and meaningful community gathering on the waterfront.
Families are invited to enjoy interactive history, hands-on activities, and a special appearance by Paul Revere himself, who will take a symbolic ride on the Fall River Carousel!
Presented in partnership with the ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ฒ, Fall Riverโs historic link to the Revolutionary era, the event highlights how ordinary citizens helped shape the birth of a nation.
Come discover the story behind one of the most iconic moments in American history, celebrate community, and help kick off Fall Riverโs participation in Americaโs 250th birthday. Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who loves history brought to life.
From the moment the event begins, thereโs something happening around every cornerโwhether youโre stepping into history, getting hands-on with a craft, or just enjoying a spring afternoon with family.
Hereโs how the day unfolds:
11:00 AM โ Event Begins
- Free Carousel Rides (11 AM โ 2 PM)
Enjoy complimentary rides on the historic Fall River Carousel throughout the event. - Live Radio Broadcast with Fun 107
Catch the energy of the day as Fun 107 broadcasts live from the carousel. - Revolutionary-Era Displays & Demonstrations
Explore artifacts, clothing, and interactive displays from the Lafayette-Durfee House and meet reenactors from the Thirteenth Continental Regiment. - Wedges of Time Spinning Demonstration
Watch traditional fiber arts in action and learn about early American craftsmanship. - Craft & Activity Area
- Paper Lantern โSignal Stationโ Craft
- Coloring pages, word searches, and more
(Perfect for younger visitors!)
- Dress-Up Station (Upper Level)
Kids can try on colonial hats and clothingโperfect for photos while riding the carousel. - Colonial Lawn Games (Outside)
Step outside for classic games that bring history to life through play. - Lafayette-Durfee Information Table
Learn more, browse merchandise, and donโt miss the free giveaways! - โRevolutionary Specialsโ at Gathering Grounds
Coffee, tea, and themed refreshments available for purchase.
12:00 PM โ Featured Moment
- Paul Revere Rides the Carousel
A canโt-miss highlight of the day!- Live-streamed moment
- Photo opportunities with Paul Revere
12:15 PM โ Storytime on the Stage
- Live Reading: The Landlordโs Tale (Midnight Ride of Paul Revere)
Presented by David R. Mello of the Fall River Public Library
Kids are invited to gather and listen as this iconic story is brought to life.
12:30 โ 1:00 PM โ Hands-On Craft
- โMinutemanโ Craft Activity
Continue the creative fun with a guided craft inspired by Revolutionary history.
1:00 PM โ Live Music
- Bristol County Fifes & Drums Performance
A lively musical experience (weather permitting) to close out the day with authentic Revolutionary sounds.
Whether you stay for an hour or the full afternoon, Ride to Freedom is designed to let families explore at their own paceโmixing education, creativity, and just the right amount of fun.
