Bonneville County to celebrate ‘Paul Revere’s Ride’

IDAHO FALLS — In celebration of the nation’s quickly approaching 250th anniversary, the Bonneville County commissioners are participating in the Two Lights for Tomorrow in remembrance of Paul Revere’s iconic ride. 

According to a news release from the commissioners, it was on April 18 and April 19 in 1775 when Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode from Boston to Lexington to warn colonists of the British soldiers’ arrival. 

An event will be held outside of the Bonneville County Courthouse and is free for the public to attend on Friday at 8 p.m., where two lanterns will be lit and Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” will be read.

Commissioner Michelle Mallard told EastIdahoNews.com that the county found out about the event after a few citizens and the Idaho Association of Counties notified them about it.

She said these were some of the events happening over the next few months to mark the 250th celebration of the United States.

“(This) would be a great event for families, people with school-age children and anyone who just wants an occasion to celebrate our beginnings and remember the values we have in common, the history of our county coming together to form a perfect union,” Mallard said.

Aside from the event, the commissioners have also invited the community to engage in community service on Saturday.

“Service in the community is the way that we connect to each other, regardless of our political beliefs,” Mallard said. “It gives us a chance to see what other people need to help other people out.”

She said residents and local businesses can participate in the Two Lights for Tomorrow day by placing two candles outside of their homes or establishments.

“We hope everyone will join us in kicking off this celebration of the founding of the United States of America, and remember our proud founding and past hope it will heal some of the divisions we have currently,” Mallard said.