Lex250 Commission Celebrates Successful Patriotic Picnic in the Park
T he Lex250 Commission is proud to celebrate the resounding success of Monday’s Patriotic Picnic in the Park, a celebration held at Hastings Park as part of the historic 250th anniversary commemorations of the start of the American Revolution.
 The event, held on Patriots’ Day, April 21, marked one of the culminating moments of a weekend filled with reflection and remembrance to mark 250 years since the Battle of Lexington. Under a crisp spring sky, over a thousand residents and visitors gathered to honor the spirit of 1775 and the enduring legacy of Lexington’s role in the birth of American independence. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable musical performance by members of the Boston Pops, conducted by the iconic Keith Lockhart, whose stirring renditions of American classics set a patriotic tone for the day. The energy continued to build with a lively performance from the local pop-rock band, Malin. Local flavors were front and center, with a variety of offerings from Lexington restaurants, a beer garden and ice cream. The event’s highlight came as attendees lined Massachusetts Avenue and erupted in cheers for the dramatic arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes, who rode on horseback from Boston, as the National Lancers recreated their legendary midnight rides. “The Regulars are coming!” shouted Revere as he approached Hastings Park.  The Patriotic Picnic in the Park was made possible through generous support from community sponsors, town officials and partner organizations. Doug Lucente, the Lexington Select Board Chair and a member of the Lex250 Commission, said Monday’s picnic was intended to be a celebration for the people of Lexington who have put in a tremendous amount of work and supported the 250th anniversary events.  “The picnic turned out perfect,” Lucente said. “The music was beautiful. The fact that we had members from the Boston Pops here with Keith Lockhart was just so memorable for everyone. The food was great, the beer tent was crowded, ice cream was here — it was all around perfect. And then the icing on the cake was Paul Revere showing up with William Dawes, and they brought greetings from the Mayor of Boston to Lexington. We’re so excited to have all this happen.”
The Lex250 Commission was established by the Lexington Select Board to make recommendations and coordinate activities that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington – the first battle of the American Revolution – and other events related to the founding of our country.
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