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Lexington Reschedules Parker’s Prelude Festival for Sept. 21

LEXINGTON — The Lex250 Commission is excited to announce that Parker’s Prelude has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21.

The Town of Lexington is hosting Parker’s Prelude, a community festival and the second official event in the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Lexington in 1775. It was originally scheduled for July but was not held due to rain.

The community festival will consist of activities for all ages and a rare joint concert of the Lexington Bicentennial Band and the Concord Band. Also performing will be the Jamaica Plain Honk Band, Children’s Community Chorus, and William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps.

The Lexington Minute Men will use a ceremonial sword to cut and serve a giant birthday cake, created by Wilson Farm Bakers, in honor of Captain Parker.

WHEN:

Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • 11-11:45 a.m.          Lexington Bicentennial Band & Concord Band 
  • 12-12:20 p.m.         William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps 
  • 12:30-12:45 p.m.    Children’s Community Chorus
  • 1-1:15 p.m.             Remarks, Cake Cutting, and Singing of “Happy Birthday”
  • 1:15 -2 p.m.            Jamaica Plain Honk Band

WHERE:

Lexington Battle Green, Massachusetts Avenue at Bedford Street. 

In the event of rain, the festival will be moved to Lexington High School. All scheduled performances will take place in the auditorium.

WHO:

Seen by many as being the ultimate personification of a Yankee rebel and represented by a statue standing resolutely at the head of the Lexington Common, Captain John Parker was a New England farmer, smith, soldier, and Colonial militia officer.

On April 19, 1775, Parker led the Lexington Militia in a skirmish with British regulars at the Battle of Lexington, where eight militia lost their lives in a successful delaying action against the British.

Captain Parker’s actions of defiance gave inspiration to further acts of rebellion against the tyranny of King George during the American War for Independence.

ROAD CLOSINGS:

Roads around the Battle Green will be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited parking for drivers with handicap placards will be available on the Green on Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street.

Make the most of the day in Lexington by exploring other exciting events before and after Parker’s Prelude, such as the St. Nicholas Church Gyro Fest and the Arts and Crafts Fair. For a full list of activities, visit Lex250.org.

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