Folks at the Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh are wishing George Washington a “Happy Birthday” this President’s Day Weekend. YNN’s Alexandra Weishaupt has more on the 31st annual celebration.

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NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- It’s time to cut the cake and celebrate at George Washington’s 281st Birthday party.

“I thought it was a great way spending a Sunday afternoon celebrating one of the greatest Americans of all time,” said Michael Sweeton.

Hundreds of folks are making way to this historic Newburgh site for some family fun in his honor. It’s the three day festival complete with historical presentations, military demonstrations and re-enactors from the 18th century.

“The history of our country is very important, what’s happening politically today, I think it’s very important to understand the roots,” said Dave Pennella.

History buff Dave Pennella stopped in with his wife and kids to partake in the events and learn a thing or two about our nation’s first leader.

“To remember all the people that sacrificed for you so that you can live under this umbrella in the greatest country in the world,” said Pennella.

The site manager says Washington was headquartered here in 1782 for about a year, and it was here where he created the Badge of Military Merit, which later became the Purple Heart.

“During the war this is where he was the longest, and Martha was here for about a year of that time too,” said Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site Manager, Elyse Goldberg.

The general’s actual birthday was last month, but as our nation’s leaders are on the minds of those around the country, folks here found it suiting to celebrate this President’s Day weekend.

“It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the man, the general, the president the site and all of our history. It’s something that Newburgh and the Hudson valley should be very proud of to have in their backyard,” said Goldberg.