THE SKIRMISH RETURNS TO HADDONFIELD ON JUNE 3, 2023
Revolutionary War Reenactment Brings South Jersey’s Colonial History to Life in Day-Long Event
Haddonfield, NJ (May 10, 2023) – The Skirmish, Haddonfield’s popular revolutionary war reenactment and colonial festival has released the schedule for its annual event.
The Skirmish brings history books to life with a day of Revolutionary War soldiers, horses, clashes between colonists and redcoats, family friendly programming, music, and important moments from South Jersey and Haddonfield’s history in the founding of the U.S.
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the British will invade Haddonfield and be challenged by Continental troops, just as they did 245 years ago — in June 1778. Redcoats on horseback will charge, muskets will be fired, and the Continentals will try to “annoy” and slow down the redcoats before they head off to the Battle at Monmouth. The clash and a day-long event surrounding it takes place on and around Kings Highway, Haddonfield’s main street.
The Skirmish, an outdoor, free event, has been running since 2014.
Schedule of Events:
June 3, 2023
- 9 a.m. Redcoats begin “looting and pillaging” Haddonfield
- 9 a.m. Breakfast with the Troops, Haddonfield Presbyterian Church
- 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Learn to Sword Fight with Sword & Swagger, Rising Sun Lodge Masonic Temple
- 9-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Pony Rides at Haddonfield Financial Planning
- 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Farm Animal Petting Zoo, kids games, graveyard tours and Quaker worship demonstrations, Haddonfield Friends School
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Battle of the Brews, King’s Road Brewing
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet the British troops and horses, Haddonfield Middle School playground
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Colonial Fire Fighting Museum Tours of Engine Room & Vehicles, Haddon Fire Company No. 1
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit the caricature artists at the Haddonfield Farmers Market, Kings Court
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Meet the Daughters of the American Revolution, Haddon Fortnightly
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tours of Greenfield Hall and culinary demonstrations for kids, Historical Society of Haddonfield
- 11 a.m. Colonial Dance Lesson, Haddon Fortnightly
- 11:00 a.m. Brief clash between Redcoats and Continentals on Kings Highway
- 11:15 a.m. Colonial Auction, in front of Indian King Tavern Museum
- 1:30 p.m. Yelling Contest, in front of Indian King Tavern Museum and Haddonfield Borough Hall
- 2 p.m. The Skirmish, featuring redcoats on horseback, muskets, and Revolutionary War reenactors on Kings Highway
- 2-3 p.m. Pacifist Retreat (“Get Away from the Noise”), Haddonfield Friends School, Graveyard & Meetinghouse
Haddonfield’s Revolutionary History
In 1777, the New Jersey Assembly, fleeing from the British, met in session at Haddonfield’s Indian King Tavern and declared that the “Colony” of New Jersey was now the State of New Jersey (per https://haddonfieldhistory.org/). Both British and American forces encamped at Haddonfield or marched through it during various campaigns. Lafayette was among the leaders of the Revolution who was known to have stayed in the town during the war. In 1903, the Indian King Tavern became the first historic site purchased by the State of New Jersey. More on Haddonfield’s revolutionary history here.
Sponsors
The Skirmish is made possible thanks to support from our loyal sponsors.