• Lynne Rocca of Wilton and Alice Vargish of Wilton were dressed to honor WIlton's celebrations of the American Revolution.
    Lynne Rocca of Wilton and Alice Vargish of Wilton were dressed to honor WIlton’s celebrations of the American Revolution. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Re-enactment groups march down Main Street.
    Re-enactment groups march down Main Street. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Re-enactment groups march down Main Street.
    Re-enactment groups march down Main Street. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Pomp Russell, a Black soldier who served in the Revolutionary War is added to Wilton's war memorial in honor of the American 250th birthday celebrations.
    Pomp Russell, a Black soldier who served in the Revolutionary War is added to Wilton’s war memorial in honor of the American 250th birthday celebrations. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Patsy Belt, dressed in Colonial garb for the celebrations, doesn't mind the rain.
    Patsy Belt, dressed in Colonial garb for the celebrations, doesn’t mind the rain. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Michael Dell'Orto reads the Declaration of Independence.
    Michael Dell’Orto reads the Declaration of Independence. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Michael Dell'Orto reads the Declaration of Independence.
    Michael Dell’Orto reads the Declaration of Independence. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Re-enactment groups present arms during the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
    Re-enactment groups present arms during the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Members of the American Legion fire a rifle volley in honor of Pomp Russell.
    Members of the American Legion fire a rifle volley in honor of Pomp Russell. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • The community unveils the name of Pomp Russell, a Black Revolutionary War soldier, on the town's war monument.
    The community unveils the name of Pomp Russell, a Black Revolutionary War soldier, on the town’s war monument. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Jerrianne Boggis, of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hamphshire, speaks to the importance of inclusive history during a ceremony honoring Pomp Russell, a Black Revolutionary War soldier.
    Jerrianne Boggis, of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hamphshire, speaks to the importance of inclusive history during a ceremony honoring Pomp Russell, a Black Revolutionary War soldier. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript

Despite rainy weather, residents still turned out on Saturday for the conclusion of Wilton’s week-long celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. The day was packed with events, including reenactors, vendors, live music and a community barbecue.

Celebrations on Saturday capped off a week of events marking the anniversary, including history talks and demonstrations.

Saturday was an all-day event, starting with a pancake breakfast at the Fire Station, the planting of a new “Liberty Tree”, and a parade from Whiting Park to Main Street, where residents rang bells to “Let Freedom Ring”.

A special ceremony honored Pomp Russell a Wilton resident and former slave who enlisted in the Continental Army and fought in the Battle of Bennington. His name was added to Wilton’s war memorial, unveiled by Russell’s descendants. Earlier in the week, a dedicated lecture on Russell’s life was given at the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library.