George Washington and his troops survived a brutal winter in Morristown.
But mere mortals are no match for a fall nor’easter.
“Living History Weekend” events and Sunday’s Festival on the Green have decided it’s better to err on the side of safety than throw caution to the (45 mph) wind.
With a forecast of heavy rain and strong gusts, all but one of these planned events opted Friday to postpone. It’s the first time in the Fall Festival’s 30-plus year history, aside from the pandemic in 2020. The Morristown Partnership says it will try again next Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
“With high winds expected from the nor’easter, the safety of our visitors, exhibitors, performers, vendors, sponsors and staff has to come first,” Cassidy Champi of the Partnership said in a statement.
“We know how much this day means to Morristown, and we’re grateful to everyone who is helping us make the new date possible. We look forward to seeing everyone on Oct. 4.”
Organizers of the Living History events, intended to celebrate America at 250, are contemplating a do-over on Oct. 24. Stay tuned on that. For this weekend, forget about Revolutionary re-enactors on the Green and at Macculloch Hall, Lafayette at the Sansay House, the Morris County Historical Society in the Presbyterian Church, and Saturday night fireworks.
“From a safety perspective, we were not comfortable having everyone out there in those conditions, and we also did not want to risk damage to the re-enactors’ 18th-century attire, equipment, or historical items,” said Sarah Neibart, chair of Morris County’s America 250 committee.
For the record, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Greater Morristown from 6 o’clock this evening, Friday, Sept. 25, through 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Northerly winds of 15 to 25 mph may gust to 45 mph:
Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result…Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects.
Chance of rain is 80 percent on Saturday and Sunday, with up to three-and-a-half inches possible over the weekend, according to Friday afternoon’s forecast.
There are a few bright spots for (fool)hardy souls. Morris County History Trivia Night, slated as the kickoff to Living History Weekend, is still a go this evening — Friday — from 7 pm to 9 pm at Glenbrook Brewery. And from noon to 4 pm on Saturday you can check out the new Ulysses S. Grant exhibit at the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum.
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