George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross all showed up at the Bountiful City Park last week. The historical figures weren’t there to sign the Declaration of Independence or sew a flag, they were there to teach the new generation about the Constitution. It was all part of the Freedom’s Light Festival held every year in conjunction with Constitution Day.

“It’s designed to make history come to life,” said Dalane England, founder and chair. “It helps to understand our founding mothers and fathers and the genius of the Constitution in an engaging way. As a teacher I wanted my students to get involved with the Constitution.”

Everyone knows when Independence Day is, she said. “Not even adults know when the Constitution was signed. Most don’t know much about it. In Congress only 85% have ever read it. How do you uphold it if you don’t know anything about it?”

The Constitution is amazing, England said. “It’s genius. The more you learn the more incredible it is.”

It took 150 volunteers and 40 portrayers, including some youth, to make the festival a success, she said. “The young people have attended the festival in the past and came back to be involved. We rotate the portrayers, there’s always new people.”

Thomas Wangeman is from Twin Falls, ID and came down to portray John Dickinson. “He was a fascinating man,” said Wangeman. “He was known as the ‘Penman of the Revolution.’ He wrote most of the document.”

Wangeman said what draws him to the event is to bring the Constitution to this time. “I want kids to have this written on their heart, not just on paper. I want them to understand the principles of the founding of the Constitution so that they can be active participating citizens.”

Todd Tingey, whose Cherokee name is Running Bear, stood by a Teepee with other Native American artifacts to teach visitors about how his people played a role in the Constitution. “It all ties together with the true story of democracy with Benjamin Franklin and the 13 colonies and the Indian government.”

Cloe Hewett brought fifth grade classes from Columbia Elementary. “We’ve been studying American History and the Constitution,” she said. “They’ve been excited to see what life was like then. So far they’re loving it.”

“We heard about the festival and thought it would be fun,” said one mom who was there with her kids. “Hopefully they’ll learn something new.”

“I like Patrick Henry,” said her sixth grade son. “I like what he said, ‘Give me liberty or give me death.’”

“I liked Andrew Oliver,” said 10-year-old Robert Morris. “It was a cool story. It’s funny, like nobody ever heard of him. He was super rich and donated guns and uniforms.”

“George Washington was my favorite,” said 10-year-old Walker. “It was fun to listen to him and learn about him.”

This is the 16th year of the festival, said England. “There were 15 school groups scheduled for Thursday and 12 for Friday. Most people who come just want to learn.”