George Washington To Cross River Christmas Day

Dedicated reenactors will be staging the Continental Army’s daring 1776 crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day.

The annual free event will run from noon until 3 p.m. at McKonkey’s Ferry, now known as Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Upper Makefield. The actual crossing from the Pennsylvania river bank to New Jersey reenactment will start at 1 p.m.

Gen. George Washington – or at least John Godzieba, the reenactor who plays him – said Saturday’s forecasted rain should maintain enough water in the river for the Durham boats used in the enactment to cross.

“The weather is going be fantastic Sunday,” Godzieba said. “You’ll get to see history in the making.”

The reenactment will involve 250 actors, including new volunteers to help row the Durham boats across the chilly river.

Godzieba said Washington Crossing Historical Park is always looking for volunteers and reenactors.

 

Godzieba, who works as a police lieutenant in Bristol Township, said he’s ready to portray Washington.

“As soon as I put the uniform and hat on I go into Washington mood,” he said.

The crossing, according to Godzieba, wouldn’t happen without the work of volunteers and his command staff at the park.