During the weekend of Patriots' Day, various observances are held. Parades
and historical reenactments are very popular, particularly in Lexington and
Concord, Mass. Reenactments include Paul Revere's ride, historic trail marches,
and the two battles, which are held at Lexington Green in Lexington and Minute
Man National Historic Park in Concord on Patriots' Day morning. Details and
schedules for these events are available from the Battle Road Committee, a group
that plans and puts on American Revolution battle reenactments in the area.
The third Monday of April is a welcome day off work or school for some people
in the states of Massachusetts and Maine. In the area around Lexington and Concord,
re-enactments of the battles in 1775 and the events leading up to them are held.
A particular highlight is the opportunity to ring the bell that warned the
local troops that British soldiers were approaching. Lectures, concerts and
road races are also organized. In Boston, a marathon is held. Most years the
Boston Red Sox baseball team schedules a game that is timed so that spectators
can watch the runners as they leave the stadium.
April 19 is a special observance day for schools, in the state of Wisconsin.
On this date, schools are required to educate students about the events and
people centered on Patriots' Day. It is recommended that the observances are
held on the actual date, although they are generally moved to Friday, April
18, if April 19 is a Saturday and to Monday, April 20, if April 19 falls on
a Sunday.
The third Monday in April is a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine and
state, county, and municipal offices are closed. However, Patriots' Day is not
a federal holiday and federal offices are open. Many schools are closed for
the spring break. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be open
or closed according to local custom. Most public transit services run to reduced
schedules, but may not operate in rural areas. There may be some local disruption
to traffic around the re-enactments and sports events, particularly in Boston.
