Trenton Downtown Association

"Twas the morn after Christmas and all through the city
Not a creature was stirring, not even a ditty.
Till Tom Paine cried out, like a voice from the shoals
'These are the times that try men's souls."

Then those men rose up and began to prepare
They pitted their homes, their families, their ware
Against the redcoats, the Hessians, the king.
Until, at last, they heard freedom ring.

Those long-ago times we need to keep dear.
Well, aren't we lucky that much happened here?
If there was ever a town completely bent on
Celebrating the road to freedom--it is Trenton!

Patriots' Week starts December 26
When Paine delivers his straightforward kick.
After, we can hear--if we be very still--
Tales from a slave-girl cook, Hannah Till.

Over 50 magnificent events profferred for our desire
Puppet shows, The Masons, tea by the fire.
A tune on Ben Franklin's armonica for you dearie
Glass bowls played on a spindle sound eerie.

We can trace our forebears, sing and take a bow,
Have a resounding dinner with Washington and Howe,
Those enemy commanders will go shot for shot
In the Archives Resteraunt of the Marriott.

Tours on buses, on foot and imagination
Discover the Revolution's grit and agitation
From Washington's Crossing, along the wet sod
Down to the battlefields of Warren and Broad.

Who framed the Constitution? How did Washington die?
How do you make an 18th century pie?
What about black soldiers, fishermen from the north
Who, in the critical river crossing, ahowed their worth?

Follow General Greene into trenton on a path so stealthy
A path, for the Hessians, not so healthy.
Pacifist Quakers were here and about
How did they feel in the midst of this rout?

If eating's your pleasure, there's a ready winner
At the candlelit tavern First Presbyterian dinner
Rev. Allen, known as a peaceful man,
Can rustle up a mean mutton and flan.

On Saturday, trenton sees the heart of the matter.
The First Battle is reenacted and Hessians scatter.
Then comes the Second Battle and a cunning escape
Leaving the Brits to stare and gape.

I beseech you to go an anjoy these days
Unique to Trenton and its ways
Enlightening, entertaining, marvelous.
Ben Franklin would be proud of us.

Patriots' Week occurs in downtown Trenton from Dec. 26 to Dec 31. For more information, go to www.patriotsweek.com or call (877) PAT WEEK.