In addition to the Eldred Block Party, several special events are planned for Patriots Weekend, July 17–19, 2026. The three days of historical activities will take place at the Minisink Battleground in Minisink Ford near historic wooden Roebling Bridge. 

Events will include lectures, reenactments, colonial music, musket demonstrations, and a walking tour of the Minisink Battleground. On Friday, the public may tour the Battleground exhibits. At 4 p.m., Noah Lewis, a historical interpreter and educator known for portraying Edward “Ned” Hector, a free Black Revolutionary War soldier and artillerist, will give a presentation at the Battleground’s Pavilion. His one-man presentation highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans in the nation’s founding. At 6 p.m., Queen Esther’s Refugees Reenactment Group will hold an encampment in Battleground Park, portraying displaced Native Americans of mixed-race heritage who faced persecution during the French and Indian War.

On Saturday, July 18, activities begin at 10 a.m. at the Midway of the Battleground with a Fort Delaware musket demonstration. At 11 a.m., Noah Lewis will present a program in the Pavilion on African Americans in the American Revolution. At 1 p.m., there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Loyalists’ response at the Hilltop Clearing. Beginning at 2 p.m., Patriots and Loyalists skirmish reenactments will take place at various locations throughout Battleground Park. Colonial musician Linda Russell will also perform at the Hilltop Clearing. The day’s events will continue at 4 p.m. with the annual commemoration ceremony for the Battle of Minisink, also at the Hilltop Clearing.

At 5:30 p.m., there will be a tour of Minisink Battleground Park, most likely led by County Historian and Barryville resident John Conway. I have taken this tour at least three times and highly recommend it. The Battle of Minisink is a compelling story, and John Conway brings it to life with vivid and memorable detail. Beginning at 6 p.m., visitors may explore the reenactors’ encampments.

Patriots Weekend appears to be sponsored by the Delaware Company, a local nonprofit that manages Fort Delaware in Narrowsburg. Named for the group of farmers who established the first European settlement in the Upper Delaware Valley, the organization supports the region’s history and historic landmarks. For more information about Patriots Weekend activities, visit the Town of Highland website at townofhighlandny.gov. For information about the Delaware Company, visit thedelawarecompany.org.

Please note that the Dollar General on Route 55 in Eldred will be closed Sunday, July 19, through Friday, July 24, for renovations. An assistant manager said the store’s food section will be moved to the back, and the refrigeration units will be upgraded, expanded, and relocated there as well. Dollar General also plans to repair the large potholes in the parking lot as well.