Liberty Pole Capping Information
Update – Refer back to this page for updated information. As of April 13, 2026, we are still a go for 2026 Rain or Shine! We look forward to seeing you all here on April 10, 2027. NOTE: This is a 10:30 am step off.
Liberty Pole Capping
If you will be joining us, please email us by March 17th with your company name and an estimate of the number of marchers and guests that will be attending the collation.
Liberty Pole Capping event schedule:
Date: April 10, 2027.
Time: Parade/Collation 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Parade formation 10:00 am on the Bedford Common, step-off 10:30 am. (TBD) Pancake Breakfast prior to Pole Capping, First Parish in Bedford, 75 Great Road, $5.00 per person
Location: Willson Park, 2 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA.
Map
For Parade map and parking click here.
Information
Annually, on a Saturday in early April, the Bedford Minuteman Company and Minuteman Companies from the area converge on Willson Park in Bedford to commemorate the spirit and courage of the patriots who sparked the American Revolution.
The Liberty Pole Capping and Raising is a reenactment of a practice in Colonial America signifying dissatisfaction with varied rulings and conduct of the English government of that date. It is meant to be commemorative of the spirit of liberty exemplified by Bedfordians and other colonials in the early phases of the War for Independence.
The Colonial units from the surrounding area park and unload in the parking area in front of the Bedford High School (9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730) and then form up on the Town Green, in front of the First Parish Unitarian Church (75 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730).
The Town of Bedford Dignitaries assemble, on the sidewalk, in front of the Fitch Tavern (12 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730). The Fitch Tavern is the place where the original Bedford Minutemen assembled on the morning of April 19th, 1775. After the colonial units pass the Fitch Tavern, on their way to Willson Park (2 Concord Road, Bedford, MA 01730), the Dignitaries and the Bedford Minutemen follow with the pole. After a few words, the pole is erected and capped, and hopefully this will not attract the attention of any British patrols. This takes about forty-five minutes or less if the weather cooperates. more…
Liberty Pole Capping – Pictures