Well two Gettysburg events to report on really. The first was the more 'progressive' event called High Tide and the second, the 145th Spectacular (!)
High Tide was really impressive with all camping within the woods, mostly campaign style as you would expect. The Sutlers on hand were hand picked and first class.; definitely the place to do the shopping. In fact most of these chose not to be at the following weekend so it was wise to get your bucks out there and then. Needless to say there will be a few choice items appearing at the next few shows from most of us that attended.
The event was extremely well organised except for the weather which they had not arranged to be anything other than very hot (upwards of 90 degrees and extremely humid). Both camps looked good and the levels of authenticity were on the whole extremely good. Our own company the Liberty Rifles looked far too good. Why? Well they were all around their twenty's, slim and their kit just perfect. Hence they get used for all the filming currently. Sadly this level of authenticity did not extend to their drill which was disappointing and there were times when a few non-period items slipped in but overall it was great to be part of. Wonderful guys though and a lot of fun.
The highlight for most of it was the candle lit performance of Macbeth they put on especially for us Brits. You have to picture the white shelter halves buttoned together and hung from two trees as a back drop and candles in bayonets in an arch to form a stage in an otherwise very dark evening. A large fire helped to spread a glow which the guys used this small amount of light to read from their scripts. All props were made from the woods or their own kit. Hearing Macbeth done with southern accents and a few "God Damn's" etc thrown in made it for some of us, the best Macbeth ever seen. I haven't enjoyed a play and laughed so much for a very long time. This performance was proceeded and followed by just the best fiddle, banjo, bones combo that made it a truly memorable evening and one of those 'moments' we all strive to be part of.
The battles were pretty normal but there is always something for me about receiving orders from a mounted Officer with a southern drawl that just adds that bit of realism. The script called for two members of each company to locate to the hospital corps who spent all their time ferrying around with stretchers which was just awesome to see.
Great event, great authenticity, great people and a truly memorable experience. Then there was the big one …………………..
Well I had already chosen to not partake in the event other than helping out and man the Skirmish stand with the team. Other than the sheer numbers, I felt the event had very little to offer. So much so that on the Saturday, Kim and I chose to make better use of our time and go off visiting Sharpsburg and Harpers Ferry again. Friday had been entertaining looking at the impressions going through the Sutlers Area but little else. Fortunately the weather for the weekend was much cooler than the previous one which was very welcome. Sunday of course meant Pickett's charge and selfishly myself and Boot joined in with the 1st Tennessee to take part. Have to say it was good to be part off especially the cannonade and then going through the guns. Fantastic, Just like the film ;-)
In writing, some of us got to watch a new short film (28-minutes) called 'Fields of Freedom'. This had some of the guys from the LR's mentioned earlier and focuses just on Pickett's charge. It is just magnificent and on a full screen with surround sound it really makes for good watching. You won't be disappointed.
There is already a lot of talk about the 150 events which are shaping up to be bigger and better. For those considering a trip in 2013 to the Eastern theatre, I would suggest you put the two weekends in your diary to get the full re-enacting experience.
See you there.
