Saturday’s 26th American Independence Festival not only highlights the role of Exeter in the founding of the nation, but the increasing cultural footprint created through several related initiatives in town in the past year.
“Exeter has some incredible cultural assets—the Festival helps to highlight that,” said Todd Deluca, president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. “History, the arts, local music—they all have a place here in Exeter.”
Scott Ruffner, executive director of nonprofit TEAM, which is “dedicated to the production, promotion and organization of original programming, projects and events in the Exeter area,” said he believes the Festival serves as a gateway to the town’s burgeoning arts scene.
“TEAM is looking to shine the light on community members bold enough to make their own art, brew their own beer, grown their own food, and write and perform their own music—the essence of celebrating independence,” he said. “We look forward to continue working with the Museum and bridging the gap between the arts and Exeter’s rich history, which began with cultural traditions established by people in the community and something I think we’ve lost along the way.”
Featuring historic battle re-enactments, colonial demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, music, local food and more, the Independence Festival is annually presented by the American Independence Museum, which is quietly attracting a strong core of new supporters.
“The American Independence Museum continues to expand its relevant work, including the recent creation of a historic garden that features plants and flowers that would have been used in a household or Inn garden of the 18 century,” said Chinburg Properties’ Jen Chinburg. “We encourage everyone to check out this rich treasure in the town of Exeter.”
Access Sports’ Founder Dr. Josh Siegel added, “The Museum is an active, vital member of the community—and we are proud to support its mission. The Festival represents the very best of what Exeter has to offer.”
A member of the Exeter community for more than 120 years, Foy Insurance also supports the Museum. Foy Insurance’s Jeff Foy said he appreciates the fact that the Museum helps remind everyone of the rich history that surrounds the town and the entire region.
“The Museum consistently provides a great opportunity for young and old to experience and learn about the history in the greater Exeter area,” he said. “Check out the Festival in July and you will be glad you did.”
Longtime Museum supporters are also enthused about the Musem and Festival, including Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.
“Our country’s rich history is something we are fortunate to have right in our town,” she noted. “It is vital to who we are as a nation and what our forefathers fought for.”
Other major sponsors of the Festival and the Museum include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Two International Group, AutoFair, Geico, Service Credit Union and New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by RiverWoods and The Farm at Eastman’s Corner.
To learn more about the American Independence Festival on July 16, 2016, or to purchase tickets, click HERE.