"Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

[Johan Steele]

My unit likes to support local events as do I, but when the unit sponsering it provides little or no info. When I looked over the "field of battle"... there is a nice childs play area w/ all the bells and whisles in the approximate middle of it as well as park benches spread throughout. Ok so that can't be where the "battle" will be... 200 yards by maybe 100. Three Cannon... I'm worried that this not only will be a farbfest, but a patently ridiculous one at that.
I have a feeling this will be the event upon which all other "questionable events" are measured. "Bring 80 rounds per man, there will be two battles." Now that divies up to 30+ rounds per battle and a few for firing demonstrations... THere has been NO info on how many yanks or rebs will be attending, only the info that there will be three guns... one likely a 2/3 scale piece. Our Captain hasn't even been told who the Infantry commander will be... in fact he was told to bring his Sgt's uniform as they may need every rifle. I'm not encouraged. It sounds to me like this will be a powder burning event... so the question becomes do I take the hit early and lay screaming in pain while the sawbones have fun or do I even bother taking a day off from work to attend this "event"?

[billwatson]

Re: "Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

I think you've answered your own question. If the event offers NOTHING you find socially or personally redeeming....

[hardtack1864]

Re: "Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

About the only way I would go is if there were no events for two+months and even then I would have the car ready to go! :tounge_sm

[UnionMan]

Re: "Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

As a person who lost interest in reenacting "battles" a long time ago, it does not sound too interesting to me. Have you considered attending as a living historian and bowing out of the battle? This way you can still participate in camp, educate the public and serve as a role model to other reenactors...all without taking part in the sham that is just about any battle reenactment.

On a related note, I remember attending an event many years ago and being faced with the decision of whether or not I should use a frisbee golf goal as cover while firing and advancing as skirmishers :)

-Tad

[RedCordCO]

Re: "Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

I'm tempted to say that you have already answered your own question like one of the respondees has indicated. However, I also like the idea of attending to be a proper 'role model' to the rest of the reenactors at this event. If you can ignore enough of the farbisms and recognize that everyone starts from somewhere in this Hobby, I think you'll find being a proper role model pretty rewarding in itself. Heck, you might even convert a 'lost sheep' or two.
I'm also tempted to ask where this event is being held, for my own information, so that I might be able to be forewarned if I ever jaunt out that way. For myself, I have attended more than few of the events you've described this one to be. It has been my experience that even the most-farbiest of them has some small kernel of something to be learned/gained [aside from profound disgust and/or nausea].

Just my two cents about your post.

Rob Burchardt
Arty Co. of NM

My unit likes to support local events as do I, but when the unit sponsering it provides little or no info. When I looked over the "field of battle"... there is a nice childs play area w/ all the bells and whisles in the approximate middle of it as well as park benches spread throughout. Ok so that can't be where the "battle" will be... 200 yards by maybe 100. Three Cannon... I'm worried that this not only will be a farbfest, but a patently ridiculous one at that.
I have a feeling this will be the event upon which all other "questionable events" are measured. "Bring 80 rounds per man, there will be two battles." Now that divies up to 30+ rounds per battle and a few for firing demonstrations... THere has been NO info on how many yanks or rebs will be attending, only the info that there will be three guns... one likely a 2/3 scale piece. Our Captain hasn't even been told who the Infantry commander will be... in fact he was told to bring his Sgt's uniform as they may need every rifle. I'm not encouraged. It sounds to me like this will be a powder burning event... so the question becomes do I take the hit early and lay screaming in pain while the sawbones have fun or do I even bother taking a day off from work to attend this "event"?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: "Full Unit participation event" looks like a farbfest

Hallo Kameraden!

so the question becomes do I take the hit early and lay screaming in pain while the sawbones have fun or do I even bother taking a day off from work to attend this "event"?

Kameraden! This is the AC Forum, a website for the Authentic Civil War Historian.

This does not belong here.

Curt-Heinrich Schmidt
Moderator