Planet Princeton Weekend Picks, Jan. 2-4
Head over to the Old Barracks in Trenton Friday night, Jan. 2, for the “To Princeton with Peale” living history event or meet up with the troops as they arrive in Princeton Saturday morning. Reenactors will portray Charles Willson Peale’s Company of the Philadelphia Associators in the march from Trenton to Princeton and the Battle of Princeton. Tours of the Second Battle of Trenton until 5:30 p.m. Bonfire-side reading of Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis” from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. At 1 a.m. the company begins its march towards Princeton, with the goal of arriving at Princeton Battlefield at the same time the original company arrived over 200 years ago. Parking for this event is free and is available in the lot right next to the museum as well as the lot across from The War Memorial. 101 Barrack Street, Trenton.
Saturday, Jan. 3
Real-time Tour of the Battle of Princeton – Tour of the Princeton Battlefield as the battle progressed in real time. Meet at the Clarke House. Reenactors as Charles Willson Peale’s Company will be marching from the Old Barracks in Trenton after midnight with the hope of arriving in the early morning hours at the Princeton Battlefield just as the tour proceeds. This event, which celebrates the 237th Anniversary of the Battle of Princeton and is a part of Patriots Week and the New Jersey First Day Hikes Program, kicks off the Princeton Battlefield Society’s 2015 events. British Army Historian William P. Tatum III, a reenactor and a former Battlefield Society trustee, will trace the steps of American and British units at the same time of day as the original battle. The Battle of Princeton, which took place on January 3, 1777, was the first battle won against the professional British Army and a crucial turning point in the American Revolution. Free-will donation to the Princeton Battlefield Society for the renovation of the Thomas Clarke House where General Mercer died. Attendees should wear warm clothes and stout shoes or boots. 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Battle of Princeton Celebration – Families with children can learn about the battle. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Princeton. 10 a.m. Bainbridge House, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton. $4 per person. Recommended for families with children ages 8-12. Registration is suggested, as space is limited. Contact eve@princetonhistory.org or (609) 921-6748 x102.
53rd Annual Col. Hand Historic March – Following a program on Revolutionary flags. Join Col.Hand (Bill Agress), Mayor Cathleen Lewis, council members, reenactors, scouts, and historians as they follow the route of Col. Hand and his Pennsylvanian riflemen on Jan. 2nd, 1777. Cannon firing and refreshments. 10 a.m. start at Lawrence Municipal Building (US Highway 206 @ Interstate I95). Free.
“Karate Kid” Screening – The family movies series continues at the Garden Theatre on Nassau Street in downtown Princeton. 10:30 a.m. General admission $4.
Princeton Men’s Hockey – the Tigers take on the Russian Red Stars at 4 p.m. at Hobey Baker Rink, General admission $10, kids $6.
Latin Dance – Join the Central Jersey Dance Society for Latin Dance Night. Lesson followed by open dance. No partner required. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Suzanne Patterson Center, 45 Stockton Street, Princeton. Admission $15.
Drum and Dance Fire Circle – Group drumming led by Mark Wood. No experience necessary. Drums provided or BYO. 8 p.m. Princeton Center for Yoga & Health, Orchard Hill Center, 88 Orchard Road, Skillman. Admission $15.
Sunday, January 4
Jewish Center of Princeton Blood Drive – The social action committee at the Jewish Center is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. 435 Nassau Street, Princeton.
Sunday Stories – Stories, songs and rhymes for children 2-8 years of age and their families. Adults must accompany their children. 3:30p.m. to 4 p.m. Princeton Public Library Story Room.
Editor’s Note – The Arts Council of Princeton is closed this weekend for winter break. The Arts Council reopens on Monday, Jan. 5.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.