Battle of the Boquet Downtown Celebration
Date: Saturday, June 14th, 2014 (Flag Day)
Location: Historic Downtown Willsboro, NY
Time: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

Celebration Events

• Re-dedication Ceremony & Commemorative Addresses (Bandstand on Gilliland Lane)
• Militia Camp Life in 1812 (Re-enactment) – Includes Canon and Musket Drills
• The Library Jam Band and The Greenbeans in Concert
• Boquet River – Race to the Battle (Trail and Kayak Race)

Commemoration Ceremony Details:

• Welcoming & Unveiling of the Heritage Society Kiosk – Charles Lustig of the Willsboro Heritage Society/ Town
• Recount of the Historic Battle – Ron Bruno, Town Historian
• Presentation by Ransom Noble Descendant: Dr. John Noble III
• Presentation by Town Supervisor Shaun Gillilland
• Color Guard Gun Salute
• Re-dedication of the Battle of the Boquet Monument by the Society of the Second War with Great Britain of the State of New York

Battle of the Boquet Bicentennial Schedule

8:00AM- 10AM Boquet River – Race to the Battle – Explore the banks and waters of the Boquet River where the legendary battle took place by participating in this trail and kayak race. 3.2 Mile Trail Run and 2 Mile Kayak – Online registration can be accessed on the Town of Willsboro’s website. (More information below.)

8:00AM – 4:00PM – Food will be available for purchase through local vendor Reber Snack Shack throughout the day on Gilliland Lane.

9:00AM – 4:00PM – The Society of the Second War with Great Britain of the State of New York will sponsor period militia re-enactors who will be “encamped” on the banks of the Boquet near the Main Street Bridge. Participating public will be able to interact with them in their daily camp life. There will be tents setup, as well as drill and firing demonstrations.

10:00AM – A re-dedication of the Battle of the Boquet River Monument, which honors the 37th Regt. and the American Victory at Willsboro, will take place with addresses by the Society of the Second War with Great Britain of the State of New York, Honorable Shaun Gillilland – Town Supervisor, Historians and distinguished guests, as well as the laying of a wreath at the site. Town Officials and Heritage Society members will then unveil the new historic informational kiosk which is being placed at the corner of Gilliland Lane and Route 22.

12:00PM – 4:00PM – Local blue grass and folk bands – The Library Jam Band and The Greenbeans will perform at the Boquet River bandstand on Gilliland Lane.

3.52 Mile Run & 2 Mile Kayak Race

Date: June 14th, 2014
Day of Race Registration: 7:00AM (At Willsboro Bandstand – Gilliland Lane)
Registration Fee: $20
Line Up: 7:50AM
Race Start: 8:00AM

Start Location:
Trail Race – Bandstand on Gilliland Lane
Kayak Race – Noblewood Park Boat Launch

End Location:
Trail Race – Noblewood Park Boat Launch
Kayak Race – Gilliland Park Boat Launch

Registrants are encouraged to bring their own Kayaks to the Noblewood Kayak Launch by 7am on race day. A limited number of Kayaks will be provided in the event that a registrant does not have one. Kayaks will be first come first serve upon registration.

Go here to pre-register and to see a map of the route: http://www.townofwillsboro.com/battle-of-the-boquet-bicentennial.html.

Related articles

• Bi-Centennial Commemoration of The Battle of the Boquet on May 14 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• CATS’ Grand Hike A Great Success (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Boquet River Association (BRASS) (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Willsboro to mark Boquet Battle Bicentennial (pressrepublican.com)
• New History Programs and Books at Essex Library (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Old Willsboro School Given New Life (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Celebrate Champlain Area Trails on June 7 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• A Brief History of William Gilliland (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)