Hundreds crowded the banks of the Delaware River Friday for the annual re-enactment of Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware.
WASHINGTON CROSSING, Pa.- It was an unusual sight on the banks of the Delaware River Friday morning.
George Washington - or an actor dressed in a near perfect imitation - stood on the green grass on the Pennsylvania border. He was flanked on one side by men and women holding bayonets and fog pouring over the dark water; on his other side, hundreds of onlookers wearing skirts, shorts and pushing baby carriages, bent over a rope to watch him.
The moment marked the 63rd annual re-enactment of George Washington and his troops historic crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary war.
But with near-balmy 60 degree weather, it was a far cry from the tempestuous waters and freezing winds that rattled his troops in the middle of the night in 1776.
For the actors who'd prepared for weeks and the hundreds of spectators who gathered shoulder-to-shoulder to watch the popular event, it didn't seem to matter.
"I asked you a few days ago to stay with me and finish our work," John Godzieba, the actor who played George Washington said to his troops, "It will not be an easy march."
The actors clambered into the boats stationed at the shore and made their way across the waters, boat by boat, to uproarious cheers from the crowd at the other end.
From the largely silent Pennsylvania side one young onlooker yelled, "They made it," as cannons were fired, marking the sentiment.
The event is a favorite for people in surrounding area in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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"We've lived in the area for so long and never been down," New Jersey resident Steve Renaud remarked, "It's so rich with history."
Renaud was not alone - the good weather pulled many down to the shore on Christmas Day for the annual reenactment. It's a favorite for many locals' dogs as well.
"It's a great experience for him to come and socialize," Renaud said, tugging at his excited yellow lab, Chester.
But for the leaders of the event, which is regularly put on by the nonprofit group, Friends of Washington Crossing Park, the crossing has not always been so easy.
In 2009 the reenactment was almost canceled for budgetary reasons. In other years the cold of late December has made it difficult for some to attend, according to a few locals.
Even this year, the rising water, which nearly submerged a small island in the river, raised concerns.
But once again, the troops pressed through.
For actor Sam Davis, a former high school teacher who has been part of the reenactment for a decade, it's heartening to see so many spectators and actors out on the shores.
"This is the turning point of the Revolutionary War," He said, explaining his love for the reenactment that keeps him coming back each year.
And, he said, more people are getting involved each year. That's a good thing, Davis said, especially now.
"It's a part of American history.... History is our world," Davis said.
Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
