USA Thanksgiving Festival

Our mission is to educate the public while preserving our country’s important history, starting with the Pilgrim legacy and Thanksgiving story while recognizing all those who have fought to protect the American way of life. We will accomplish this goal by producing a Thanksgiving celebration of excellence in Plymouth, America’s Hometown, where Thanksgiving began. Through concerts honoring military sacrifice and a parade chronicling the Pilgrim legacy, spectators will leave with a sense of history and pride. The Annual America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration is held at the birthplace of Thanksgiving, Plymouth, Massachusetts on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Begin your journey in the 17th century with Native Peoples and European settlers, and learn to separate fact from fiction about the gathering of 1621 which some call “thanksgiving”, and others consider a dark day. Watch the 17th century Pikemen practice the defense of their town – with long poles! Travel along to the eighteenth century to hear from the local militia men about their complaints against the King and Parliament, and their plans to establish self-rule, but beware the King’s troops! Continue along the paths to the 19th century Civil War battalions and note how their drill has evolved in response to the first “industrial war.” Debate the legalities of the southern state’s “secession,” and learn about the important role of civilian women to support the northern armies. Wind your way through to the 20th century, and perhaps be swept along with the Suffragettes marching for women’s right to vote. Visit the WWI and WWII troops, and learn about the “modern” military. America`s Hometown Historic Village offers many opportunities to truly time-travel. Visitors are invited to observe or participate in the many military, civilian, and children’s demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Meet real historical figures, form up and drill, listen to period music, step into a dance, or try a game. Most importantly, learn about our history from the folks who were there!

Meet over 30 local farmers and food-makers as you gather Thanksgiving feast ingredients to celebrate the fall harvest. Prepare your Thanksgiving dinner using locally grown, fresh-from-the-farm fruits, vegetables, herbs, preserves, eggs, and grass-fed meats. Local food-makers will bring fresh cheese, homemade pasta, jams, sauces, honey, and a wide selection of baked goods: hearth, artisan, and home baked breads, buns, tarts, pies, and seasonal treats. The Makepeace Farms Harvest Market will also include a full day of traditional and Bluegrass music. Sit and enjoy the music and linger over warm soups, BBQ, muffins, coffee, and apple cider fresh from the press. So come in, gather your Thanksgiving vegetables and fruits, purchase lunch, and sit and enjoy the holiday festivities on the waterfront. Fresh food donations will be gratefully collected for the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse; look for bags and baskets at the entrance to drop off donated foods. A $1 donation to America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration will be collected to join the fun under the BIG tent during the Harvest Market.