MARLOW, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) With cannon fire, colonial reenactors, patriotic ceremonies and even a British tea service planned, Marlow is preparing to turn its village center into a living history experience during a two-day celebration marking America’s 250th birthday.

Patty Little of the Marlow Historical Society joined Wednesday’s edition of Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio to preview the June 6-7 festivities, which will transform the small town into a Revolutionary-era setting complete with military encampments, historical figures and period costumes.

Little told host Dan Mitchell that organizers have spent months coordinating the celebration, securing permission from the town and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to temporarily close part of Route 123 through the village for a Saturday morning parade.

“The whole town is basically the stage,” Little said during the interview.

The celebration is being led by the Marlow Historical Society and will feature appearances by several historical reenactment groups, including the First New Hampshire Regiment of Merrimack, British soldiers from the Fifth Regiment of Foot based in Concord, Mass., the Sons of the American Revolution and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The weekend begins Saturday at 9:45 a.m. with a parade through the village featuring reenactors, local students from the Marlow Perkins Academy dressed in period clothing and residents encouraged to participate in costume. Following the parade, the First New Hampshire Regiment will open its encampment to the public, offering demonstrations of colonial military drills, historical cooking and hourly cannon firings.

Mitchell and Little shared several lighthearted exchanges during the interview about inviting British reenactors to a celebration of American independence, joking about holding them hostage and keeping an eye on the direction of the cannon fire.

In addition to the military demonstrations, ceremonies are planned at the West Yard Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War patriots buried in Marlow. Little said organizers identified several graves that had not previously been included in a national roster of Revolutionary War patriots.

A rededication ceremony for the village Soldiers’ Monument will also bring together descendants of Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans alongside British reenactors.

Sunday’s activities include a portrayal of Abigail Adams by actress Cheryl Fay as part of the Women in History program. The weekend will also feature an RSVP-only afternoon tea inspired by colonial traditions and featuring teas sourced from the Boston Tea Party Museum.

Throughout the village, pine tree flags commemorating the Pine Tree Riot will decorate the area, while local food vendors, desserts and community activities are expected to draw visitors from across the region.

Little said planning for the event has occupied much of her retirement since November, but she believes the effort will be worthwhile as the town both honors its past and creates new memories.

Parking for the event will be available at several locations around town, including Gallup and Hall, the Inn’s Christmas Tree Inn and the school parking lot. Shuttle transportation will also be provided by the Croco Environmental Education Center.

Mitchell closed the interview by praising Marlow residents for organizing such an ambitious community celebration, while Little encouraged listeners to experience the living history event for themselves.

Listen to the full interview: