A Private Looks ahead to the Sesquicentenial Gettysburg Reenactment

[Anders]

Been in the hobby since 1986- there is far more to the iceburg than the tip you see sitting above water...

[Soupcanman]

I have been in this hobby for 20 years. From 2004 until 2011 our guys took a break from the hobby to go to war (real war), start collage, get married, start families. We got back in because we love this hobby. When we stepped back in it seemed the whole dynamic of the hobby changed. The scars of political warfare were everywhere. I even found it hard to find a battalion to call home. Once I did we began to recruit. I started with five guys from our old unit. Today I have 15. Half new, half guys moving units. That’s in one year. I have so many guys trying to get in I have to turn them over to other units! Those of you saying the hobby is dying, I have no idea what your talking about. Many of my new guys are excited to do the Gettysburg 150 because its the 150th. It is supposed to be fun and huge. Who cares if they make a profit. We all go for our own reasons. For those progressive guys out there, why go off and have you own event? Look what your power does when you band together and go to a national event. 15th Iowa at Shiloh was awesome! Because of what my guys saw of them, they decided to move a little more progressive. They inspired a lot of Reenactors out there. This is why I find it hard to understand why people want to break off and have a political pouting parties. Look what good you can do when you want. Gettysburg 150 is what you guys make it. We are going to go all out for this event, and driving there from Missouri. I hope to see you all there.

[PMB1861]

Phil, I'll get the word out when the details are settled with the powers that be. All the old and young hands will get the info. I promise.

[lincolnsguard]

Keep me in a loop if you could too please.

[indguard]

You know, it sort of amazes me people scoffing at the "for profit" idea. Aren't we Americans? Isn't profit one of our most cherished ideals? We can be miffed that an event doesn't give a portion to preservation and we can suggest they do, but to refuse to do an event that is "for profit" seems to me a bitt silly.

As to those complaining about paying to go to a national, I don't understand that either. Of course we need to pay an attendance fee. Do you people understand how much initial cash-on-hand is needed to float such a huge event?? Paying our bit into getting the event going is necessary, I feel. You don't want to pay to attend a national... don't go.

Now I am 100% against paying to go to little, local events. They should not need the pitiful amount of $$ they'd get from reenactors to float the event. But nationals? That is a whole 'nuther creature.

Finally, the complaints about Gettysburg events has been one I've heard since I started reenacting in 1983. You've got two chices. 1). Go start a beter event or get involved to run the one you want changed and make that change yourself (and that has been done) and 2). realize it is what it is and just enjoy it or stay home. I just don't get the constant complaints that are the same decade after decade.

Anyway, I'll likely go this one last time, myself.

WTH
The Quetioners Mess

[Capt Terry]

You know, it sort of amazes me people scoffing at the "for profit" idea. Aren't we Americans? Isn't profit one of our most cherished ideals? We can be miffed that an event doesn't give a portion to preservation and we can suggest they do, but to refuse to do an event that is "for profit" seems to me a bitt silly.

As to those complaining about paying to go to a national, I don't understand that either. Of course we need to pay an attendance fee. Do you people understand how much initial cash-on-hand is needed to float such a huge event?? Paying our bit into getting the event going is necessary, I feel. You don't want to pay to attend a national... don't go.

Now I am 100% against paying to go to little, local events. They should not need the pitiful amount of $$ they'd get from reenactors to float the event. But nationals? That is a whole 'nuther creature.

Finally, the complaints about Gettysburg events has been one I've heard since I started reenacting in 1983. You've got two chices. 1). Go start a beter event or get involved to run the one you want changed and make that change yourself (and that has been done) and 2). realize it is what it is and just enjoy it or stay home. I just don't get the constant complaints that are the same decade after decade.

Anyway, I'll likely go this one last time, myself.

WTH
The Quetioners Mess

"For profit" in itself is not necessarily evil, but "for profit" sometimes causes profiteers to forget about the treatment and welfare of participants and spectators as well as the overall quality of an event to push the agenda. For example (2) battles a day for 2 days regardless of the heat and wear and tear on the reenactors, ignoring warnings that just because the following Monday of the event is a holiday, and since some reenactors camp over on Monday doesn't mean they'll want to do a battle on Monday, it just means they can save a day's vacation that year, but ignoring that warning and then getting upset because the numbers are low, of a scenario being discussed, a year in advance and then getting upset because you didn't remember agreeing to it. Trying to do Pickett's Charge with a couple hundred (maybe) confederate infantry every year and how about a "Grand Review" through the streets of Gettysburg in addition to everything? I know many could add their own issues to this list and I'm sure they could list more significant ones. Like 2 civilian members of my unit that live very close to an event last weekend, that decided to go as spectators, $60.00 would have been the admission cost, they toured the nearby battlefield instead.

I want and expect all reenactors to be treated well and thier efforts respected. Spectators too for that matter. That will only happen if we unite and make it happen. ICE BURG RIGHT AHEAD!

[DColeman]

I'll be there supporting my unit and Brigade in any way I can. Get out of it what you put into it. Attitude is everything.

[Anders]

Follow the money lads.............



Honestly though, somehow GAC has managed a death hold on the Mecca of CW sites....some credit due for that I guess.

However, if you are not part of the solution..........

[FloridaHoosier]

We've flogged this one down about as far as we can and still maintan a sense of civility. We're closing 'er down for now, but stay tuned for more information.....