EXPLOSIVE Second Day of CELEBRATION for the Anniversary of Peter Allen House!

halifaxpahistory

11 minutes ago

3 min read

By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member

September 15, 2026

Guests enjoy the celebration's grand finale with an outstanding fireworks display. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.

The Storm Breaks

The immense storms and tornado-like winds that battered the Peter Allen House during its great Tricentennial anniversary back in July sure did wreak havoc. Not only did it bring down trees on the great historic property and cause planned events like the hot-air balloon and carriage rides to drop-out, the two-day celebration that had been planned for the Independence Day weekend and the 250th anniversary of America had to be split into two.

However, despite all of these setbacks, the second day of the huge celebration was finally held on September 12, ushering in another day of reflection, fun, and history.

Guests who had purchased tickets and received the one-of-a-kind 250th/300th anniversary commemorative coin as their "token" arrived around 5PM, after which hors d'oeuvres and drinks were served and joyous mingling followed. All were dressed in their colonial best, and I can't help but say it brought an incredible vibe to the whole event.

Guests enjoy the Peter Allen House's grounds, food, and companionship during the festivities. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.

A Congressional Performance

Shortly after, guests were seated in the large tent on the property. They were briefly welcomed and thanked by Peter Allen House owner Frank Pinto before being treated to a magnificent live performance of several fan-favorite songs of the musical "1776". After the song numbers, the delegates rose from their places within the tent and, when called, signed a mock Declaration of Independence, wrapping the show. The performance was amazing and filled with passion and talent, rousing the audience into applause at its end.

In truth, I even caught myself singing along under my breath once or twice while attempting to capture photos and video of the event.

Then there came another tune, sung with great vigor and talent by the "Tyrant King" himself...King George III. He stepped up on stage amidst fervent boos and jeerings of the colonial crowd, and proceeded to sing "You'll Be Back" from the critically-acclaimed musical "Hamilton," in which he threatened to "kill your friends and families to remind you of my love."

Guests enjoy the Peter Allen House's performers as they sing numbers from "1776" and "Hamilton". Photographs by Dylan Bowman.

Morsels and Minuets

Dinner was served thereafter, consisting of beef pot roast, white cream and spinach chicken, buttered noodles and vegetables with bread, and of course cookies and sweets of a large variety. Everyone ate their fill, enjoyed the company around them, and all attendees were invited to sign another mock Declaration of Independence as a memento to mark the occasion at the Peter Allen House.

As the night grew late, dancing was held, first some colonial minuets and waltzes that spoke to the nature of the event, before some more contemporary, modern music was played to bring a lively rhythm to the tent. Smiles and laughter resounded throughout the evening, carrying on right up until the grand finale of a magnificent fireworks display held in the field opposite the event grounds.

Those who were not at the event but knew of its occurrence stated afterward that they could hear the fireworks and see the flashes of light over Peter's Mountain, initially mistaking it for lightning and thunder of a coming storm. And with that, the celebration had reached its end.

In hindsight, it was a great pleasure to be a part of such a celebration. So many people were involved with making it happen, and it is in examples like this that we should remember that we are always making history, whether it is a simple historical society program or a massive, multi-community celebration.

To those who came to either day of the festivities, thank YOU, and we can't wait to see you at the next one!