short update here;
Had a fine time. Weather was excellent, just a bit windy. Sun was shining bright. Got there before 9am, which I hear was a smart move. I was told by one friend he waited in traffic one solid hour to get there, and another person told me 2 hours around noon.
LOTS of people enjoying the day. Thousands and thousands and thousands. And, I always here that young people are not interested in this 'old stuff' anymore. Well, I am happy to report that there were tons of kids there AND young people. There were dozens of suttlers and displays and at times it was hard to even see what they were presenting because of all the people checking them out. This event is the kind of 'seed' that can make a young person interested in learning more about the war and it's causes and getting involved in reenacting, reading, collecting or scholarly. I am very much more positive from what I saw today. We don't see the young people at relic shows much, but they were out in full force today watching all the action, taking it all in. Plenty of rifle firing and booming cannons. Marching reenactors and swords and guns.......
Got to see our Govenor speak at battle acre, and then Ed Bearess stole the show from him. Saw a presentation by Chris Fonvielle and they were turning away people because the large tent was full up with a couple hundred people a half hour before he started. Ran into lots of local diggers, and saw quite a few share stories with each other whom they hadn't seen in years. Hung out with Jack Wells for part of the day, which is always a trip, as those of you whom know him will attest !!
Overall, a great way to spend a Saturday. Everybody near by should consider coming to the Fort Anderson anniversary in a few weeks. Although it will be much smaller, they are planning a 'big time'