The Town of Front Royal and Warren County will officially kick off their participation in the 250th Anniversary of our Great Nation with From Lanterns to Liberty, a full-day public celebration.
Held at the Town Gazebo, Chester Street, and the Warren Heritage Society’s Balthis House, the event blends living history, hands-on family activities, music, storytelling, and a lantern-lit evening Glow Walk inspired by Paul Revere’s Ride.
Daytime programming includes blacksmithing, colonial cooking, candle making, basket weaving, sewing, Revolutionary-inspired art projects, and lantern-making workshops. Students and youth groups will participate through readings, music, and performances, reinforcing the educational mission of the VA250 initiative.
The evening program begins at 7:00 PM with community reflections and a student reading of Paul Revere’s Ride, followed by a fife and drum performance and a ceremonial musket demonstration.
At 8:00 PM, families will take part in the Paul Revere’s Midnight Glow Walk, carrying lanterns through downtown Front Royal to the Warren Heritage Society.
The night concludes with a dramatic recreation of the famous signal—“One if by land, two if by sea”—using illuminated lanterns, followed by patriotic songs and a closing reading of Longfellow’s poem.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate by lighting windows and sidewalks with lanterns and luminaries along the Glow Walk route. Colonial attire is welcome, though not required.
From Lanterns to Liberty is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Chester Street will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event to ensure a safe, walkable experience.
This celebration marks the first of several America 250 programs planned throughout 2026 as Warren County commemorates 250 years of American independence.
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