Midvale to recreate Paul Revere’s midnight ride

Exactly 251 years after an important event that helped America win her independence, the village of Midvale will recreate the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere at midnight April 18. All residents are asked to display two candles in their windows to participate in the event.

Free battery-operated candles are available at no charge at the Midvale Town Hall. The Village of Midvale is partnering with the Midvale Methodist Church to put on the event.

According to information from the event, April 18, 1775, is significant. The British troops were moving to seize colonial arms and arrest patriots, sparking the American Revolution.

The patriots knew a British attack was imminent, but no one was sure how they would attack. Paul Revere instructed at that lanterns be hung in the Old North Church steeple in the north end of Boston, Massachusetts, to signal the British route: one if by land, two if by sea.

On that fateful night, two lanterns were displayed indicating that the British were crossing the Charles River. Revere crossed the river, narrowly evading British patrols and traveled through the night to warn residents ensuring colonial militia were ready to confront the British soldiers the next morning.

Other messengers joined the ride including John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They rode from Boston to Lexington and Concord to warn local militias.

The critical alert provided the time necessary for the militias to prepare, leading to the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Often called “the shot heard ‘round the world.”

Revere was locally known, but a poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” written by Henry Wadworth Longfellow in 1860 and published in 1861, made him into a national folk hero. He did have a long and productive life working as a gold and silversmith for more than 40 years even working as a dentist from 1768-1775 among other trades. He also served in the military for a time.

The idea for the event was developed by Randy Cadle who was inspired after reading about Revere’s ride.

“I thought that would be unique for us to try to do that here at for our church and for the town. So, I put it out there, and everybody bought into it,” Cadle said.

At midnight Saturday, April 18, Paul Revere, portrayed by Darrell Markjohn, a local history enthusiast, will begin the reenactment.

“He’ll be bringing his horse in and then he’ll be riding in costume,” Cadle said.

Everyone watching the event is encouraged to wear colonial period clothing as well.

The exact route through Midvale has yet to be determined, but everyone is invited to join in by placing the two battery operated candles in their window.

Following the ride, the Midvale Methodist Church will have a special service at the church featuring much patriotic music.

“We’re really excited. Everyone is invited to attend,” Cadle said. “It’s going to be big for Midvale to have that ride. People can’t believe that we’re going to have a horse ride through town at midnight. It's going to be a great thing, and we can be a part of the celebration of our country.”

Also on April 18, there will be a race at Midvale Speedway.

“People can come and make a night of it if they want to watch the races and then come down and watch Paul Revere ride through town and come to church,” Cadle said.

Mark your calendars now, Midvale is also planning a two-day America 250th anniversary event July 3-4 on the square of the town. In the works are vendors, live music, food and other family fun activities.