THOMASTON — Knox Museum will toss a giant birthday bash for Henry Knox called Cut the Cake! on Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m.  on the grounds of Montpelier, the big white house at the turn to St. George in Thomaston. Admission is free, and kids of all ages – especially those under 10 years old - are invited to attend. 

Cut the Cake! immediately follows the annual wreath-laying ceremony at General Knox’s graveside in Village Cemetery in Thomaston at 10:30 a.m.– to which the public is also invited. Both the ceremony and the birthday party are presented in partnership with Thomaston Historical Society. 

A light lunch of tea sandwiches and lemonade will be served, followed by birthday cake and ice cream for all. Velocipede, a fiddle and mandolin duo, will provide musical entertainment. Costumed storytellers will read to the children, Dena’s Barefoot Book Nook will be on hand, and there will be games and activities for young and old. A highlight of this year’s birthday celebration will be an assortment of baby farm animals, including lambs, twin goats, rabbits, and chickens, for the children to meet and pet. Sarah Akin will demonstrate the art of spinning wool.

The Lady Knox Hat Parade Contest will top off the festivities. Prizes will be awarded for most beautiful, most fanciful, most authentic, and funniest hats, among other categories. Everyone is encouraged to don their finest summer hats, whether they are eighteenth-century Lucy Knox-inspired or of more recent design. All sorts of hats are welcome. Tri-cornered hats and mob caps will be provided for the children to wear at the party.

Montpelier is open for tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on special event days including Cut the Cake!, during which tours will be available and The General’s Store will be open.

Partygoers are asked to bring blankets or outdoor chairs if possible. Some seating and a big tent will be provided. 

For more information call 354-8062 or e-mail info@knoxmuseum.org.