Two weeks ago, I again attended this event with Co. K of the 28th Infantry. This is not strictly a reenactor event, but is a potpourri of many things centered around the resurrected vintage machines that collectors have restored; many to running condition. There is also a large flea market, antique car show and food vendors.
The WWII reenactors were once again joined in our area by The Redstone Living Historians with their 18th Century camp. They make good neighbors and are fun to visit.
Our camp was enhanced this year by the addition of another WWII Jeep and trailer, thanks to the most recent acquistion by Don Grimm. This is a very nice unit complete with a large field radio. Along with Bill Burress’s Jeep and the big Dodge WC, we presented a good display of vehicles as well as the camp in general.
The weather was quite good for the entire weekend, despite a few sprinkles on Saturday night and the spectators passing through were numerous. Naturally, you get a somewhat different crowd with a show like this than at a full-blown living history event. We had a few characters who were downright rude, ( one particularly obnoxious family group looked around my tent making inane comments. Then as they were leaving, the kid, probably about 11 yrs. old, noticing the purvasive odor of old tent canvas, looked at me and said “Mom, he smells.” The mother, showing where the kid had gotten his manners, replied, “Yeah, he smells.” I considered paraphrasing Winston Churchill, ‘Yes, Madam, and you are ugly, but tomorrow I can take a bath, but I didn’t.) Overall though, the visitors were polite and appreciative of our efforts.
My biggest faux pas of the weekend came after I set up the tent and got most of my gear lined out. I thought, ” N0w I can change out of the street clothes.” This was the point when I realized that I had forgotten all my uniforms. Much thanks to Shawn and Randy Keif for putting together a uniform that I could wear. (Bill, thanks to you too, but I’m just not lean enough to get into your stuff!) While I am thanking folks, special thanks to Rege Biggerstaff for cooking all weekend.
This show is a lot of fun particularly with the overall atmosphere surrounding the National Pike weekend. I enjoy it and look forward to doing it again. Who knows, we might get someone interested in history who might not, otherwise.
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