Massachusetts Candlelight Celebration Will Light Up Seekonk This Weekend

Not every patriotic celebration needs fireworks to leave an impression. Sometimes all it takes is a beautiful summer evening, an 80-member chorus, moving stories, candlelight and one of the SouthCoast's most picturesque settings to remind us what America is all about.

That's exactly what's happening this Saturday, June 27, when Lights & Liberty comes to the gazebo at Grist Mill Pond in Seekonk. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., this free community event invites families and neighbors to celebrate America's 250th anniversary through music, storytelling and reflection.

For Karl Pelletier, owner of the Old Grist Mill Tavern and organizer of the event, this is much more than another community gathering.

Get our free mobile app

A Celebration 250 Years in the Making

"From an 80-member chorus to our veteran narrator, between the storytelling and emotional moments, this is going to really be something special," Pelletier said.

Retired U.S. Army Airborne Lieutenant Colonel Gary Allen Zimmer will serve as narrator, while the Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus, under the direction of Eric Brown, will provide the evening's musical backdrop. Together, they'll guide attendees through stories of courage, sacrifice and hope as candlelight illuminates the gazebo and pond.

Pelletier said Lights & Liberty serves as the grand finale to a year-long celebration honoring America's 250 years of freedom.

READ MORE: Seekonk Fine Dining at Millstone Supper Club

"We can't think of a better place to mark this milestone than around the gazebo at Grist Mill Pond," he said. "This place represents so much of what America is all about: hard work, community, creativity, preservation and celebration. It's a place where history is remembered, families gather and new traditions are made."

Make an Evening of It

Admission is free, making it an easy family outing or date night. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early, as parking is expected to fill up around the pond before the 7:30 p.m. start. While you're there, Pelletier also invites guests to stop by the nearby Old Grist Mill Tavern before or after the performance for dinner and drinks. "We hope you'll join us as we celebrate," he said.

Massachusetts Candlelight Celebration Will Light Up Seekonk This Weekend

If you're looking for a meaningful way to kick off Independence Day festivities a little early, this one promises to be filled with history, music and a healthy dose of hometown pride.