According to Dale Werries, in the last few years, Bothell officials have estimated about 3,000 people have shown up annually on July 4 to watch the Second Connecticut Regiment of Militia chase British Redcoats out of the Park at Bothell Landing.

The certified nonprofit regiment is behind the annual Independence Day reenactments of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

Originally fought on April 19, 1775, in Middlesex County, Province of Massachusetts Bay, near modern-day Boston, the battle marked the first outbreak of open hostilities between the American colonies and Great Britain. In other words, the battle traditionally is seen as encompassing the first shots of the Revolutionary War.

A member of the Second Connecticut Regiment, Werries said he and a group of about 20 core regiment members put on the annual reenactment of the Lexington and Concord conflict, an exercise in history that started about 20 years or so ago.

“It’s just something that came about to go along with the parade,” Werries said.

The Second Regiment regularly marches in the city’s Independence Day parade, with the reenactment following. In the last few years, the militia also has begun setting up an encampment in Bothell Landing over the weekend of July 4.

While Werries said the regular members of the militia often take the part of the American patriots, community volunteers often play the British Redcoats. This year, the militia is not only in need of help with the reenactment, but also is looking for volunteers to aid in putting together British uniforms and in constructing more historically accurate equipment and gear for both the battle and the encampment.

“We have gotten a little more historically accurate as years have gone by,” Werries said.

He added that costuming the patriots usually is not a problem. The American militia consisted of civilians who dressed like civilians.

“The Redcoat uniforms are a little harder because they are, well, uniforms,” Werries said.

The militia encourages families to participate, though it is usually men who take part in the reenactment of the battle. The militia and British fire actual muskets, minus any shot, which means they make lots of noise but no one gets hurt. Still, anyone wishing to carry and fire a live musket must be 18 and take a National Rifle Association training course offered at the Kenmore Gun Range. Battle participants also will be asked to take part in at least one rehearsal prior to the July 4 event.

Besides their activities in Bothell, Werries said the Second Regiment has traveled to Memorial Day and Veterans Day events in various spots around Washington and spent a weekend encamped in Oregon, among other activities.

Why do the members of the Second Regiment do what they do?

“It’s an interest in history,” Werries said, adding it’s finding out how to start a fire without matches or how to preserve food over a weekend with no ice or electricity. For his part, Werries said he really enjoys the Bothell event, something he’s taken part in for about 18 years.

“It’s got a hometown kind of feel to it,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the July 4 reenactment can contact Werries at dale.werries@verizon.net.