First in Freedom Festival continues at Moores Creek National Battlefield with full day of events
CURRIE, NC (WWAY) — The First in Freedom Festival is underway at Moores Creek National Battlefield, featuring a full day of living history demonstrations, guest speakers, music and commemorative ceremonies.
The event celebrates the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, a pivotal Revolutionary War victory for Patriot forces in 1776.
The park’s Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering access to exhibits, a short park film, the gift shop and donation area.
The day begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Moores Creek Battleground Association Program Tent and Grady Monument.
At 12:30 p.m., the North Carolina State Pipes and Drums will perform at the Patriot Earthworks, followed by a narrated battle demonstration at 1 p.m. featuring musket and cannon fire and a memorial dedication.
At 2 p.m., visitors can attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling new exhibits inside the Visitor Center. Also at 2 p.m., Nathan Schultz, site manager at Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, will speak on the Regulators at Moores Creek.
At 2:30 p.m., the documentary “The Bridge of Defiance” from the American Battlefield Trust will be shown in the Visitor Center Theater.
The afternoon continues with a 3 p.m. guest speaker presentation titled “All Our People Here are Ripe for Independence” by Frank McMahon, assistant site manager at Historic Halifax State Historic Site, at the Patriot Earthworks.
Another narrated battle demonstration with musket and cannon firing is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can explore Loyalist and Patriot living historian encampments at the Patriot Earthworks, colonial crafts and trades demonstrations in the Tar Heel Education and Demonstration Area, and History Row along the History Trail, where national and state parks and patriotic organizations are sharing information about their work.
Colonial sutlers are also set up across the battlefield selling period-style goods.
Food vendors are also on site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
