Port Gamble Event Schedule for June 20, 21 & 22, 2008:
Check schedule regularly for updates
For Friday Evening, June 20
7:30 pm Street Battle (near the General Store on main street).
Approx: 8:30 pm Preservation Awareness March sometime after the street battle (Union Battalion HQ - see below for additional information)
Mud March at McIver State Park, Oregon 20th Maine street battle at Port Gamble June 23, 2006
Port Gamble Preservation Awareness March
Friday night of the Port Gamble event, following the Street Battle, a 'foraging party' will be organized and dispatched by Union HQ. Those who wish to participate will form up and march out of town, flags flying, carrying with them everything needed for the night. Once the trailhead is reached, the participants will take on the impression of an Army marching through enemy territory. The march will be conducted with flankers and skirmishers. Staying in character for 1864 will be encouraged and is solely dependant upon each participant.
Once the area of our 'outpost' camp is reached, roughly two miles, camp will be arranged. Since the ‘outpost’ is in ‘enemy’ territory, pickets will be posted and guards mounted. Guidance will be provided in this area since this type of impression is seldom used and implemented by reenactors. This impression and duty will be shared by all members equally and will run throughout the night, the more participants there are, the shorter the guard shifts. In the ‘main’ camp area, there will be a picket fire around which to gather, sing songs, cook rations, tell tall tales, and make new friends. Come morning, camp will be struck, after a fresh cup of coffee of course, and then the marchers will strike off towards town.
The goal of the march is to raise our own awareness of what soldiering actually consisted of, minus the battle portion. In doing so, we can better appreciate the efforts of those we portray, better preserving their memory. In keeping with the theme of a Preservation March, participants will be encouraged to seek sponsors or donations. Although not required, there is a suggested $5 donation to participate. There will be a fire extinguisher, cell phone/two way radio, and potable water at the outpost camp, or in close proximity. The safety of the participants is a prime consideration.
There will be at least one shuttle to the outpost Friday night to bring participants who want to experience the outpost but either arrives too late or physically cannot march. Saturday morning there will be a shuttle to the outpost for those who desire to march back to town and to return those who cannot march. For those new to ‘campaigning’ or living out of your haversack, or even for those ‘veterans’ of a few campaigns, this is a good opportunity to give it a try. You can find useful advice and tips here: http://p222.ezboard.com/fthegristmillfrm1.showMessage?topicID=1028.topic
It is recommended that each participant buddy up with at least one, up to four, other marchers. This group commonly referred to as a mess, will make the experience more memorable by sharing rations, details, and good conversation. Many solid and long lasting friendships have been made just sitting around a campfire.
This outpost is open to anyone willing to adopt a Union impression for the night as we will be returning in sufficient time to make breakfast, company formations, and drill. All funds raised in this endeavor will be distributed to a non-profit organization(s) by a vote of march participants. Anyone interested in participating should direct any questions or concerns regarding the march or campaigning to John Persinger at pa76zouave@hotmail.com or (253) 941-4770. Please RSVP to your company commander or to Col Persinger prior to the event. The march will leave at approx. 8:30 PM on Friday.
For Saturday, June 21
Camps open from 9:00 am to 5 pm. Visit Union & Confederate camps
9:00 am Morning Parade – Confederate Battalion
9:00 am Morning Parade - Union Battalion
10:30 am Cavalry Demonstration - TBA (Battlefield)
11:00 am Battle Re-enactment (Battlefield)
12:15 pm Hospital Demonstration (Confederate & Union Camps)
1:15 pm Civilian Fashion Show (Post Office)
1:40 pm 20th Maine Union Recruiting Scenario (in front of the Post Office)
2:30 pm Artillery Demonstration (Battlefield)
3:00 pm Battle Re-enactment (Battlefield)
4:15 pm Hospital Demonstration (Union & Confederate)
5:00 pm Camps Closed to Public
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Street Dance (Public is invited)
For Sunday, June 22
Camps open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visit Union & Confederate camps
9:00 am Confederate and Union Camps open to Public
9:30 am Church (Confederate & Union camps – public is invited)
10:00 am Infantry Demonstration - 20th Maine (Battlefield)
11:00 am Battle Re-enactment (Battlefield)
12:15 pm Hospital Demonstration (Confederate & Union Camps)
1:15 pm Civilian Fashion Show (Post Office)
2:00 pm Battle Re-enactment (Battlefield)
3:00 pm Camps Closed to Public. Vehicles are allowed in camps after 3:00 pm.
Schedule is tentative & subject to change. Please check this website for updates to schedule.
Saturday Night Street Dance: The street dance was very popular last year and we plan to have it again this year and at the same location on the street in front of the General Store.
Artillery piece at Port Gamble June 25, 2005