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REENACTOR INFORMATION
THE BATTLE
OF AIKEN
February 20, 21, & 22, 2009
15th Annual Event, 144th Anniversary
Easy fast access: 1 mile south of SC exit 18, I-20.
South Carolina’s Largest Event
Winner of the Governor’s
Award for Best Tourist Event
All proceeds go to fund the BG Barnard E. Bee
Confederate Memorial Park, created as a Memorial Park and allow the
opportunity for reenactments!
The Battle
in 2004 began funding the purchase of 75 acres to host the annual
event. Subsequent battles have supported our cause and allowed us to
expand by adding 40 additional acres.
The Reenactment Committee has developed a new field and course
through wooded terrain for an exciting Saturday Morning Tactical. A new area (North East Corner) of the
Battle Park has been opened for this
event. This will portray the
overwhelming Union Forces pushing Confederates toward Aiken. Don’t miss this exciting action! The tactical will lead into the main
afternoon Battle of White Pond (US Victory). Sunday will feature the Battle of
Aiken (CSA Victory).
NEW CAVALRY BOUNTY:
This year, our local providers of hay cannot assure us of quality
hay in February, nor quantity.
Therefore, this year, we ask all cavalry to bring their own
hay. The battle will pay a $10
bounty to each cavalryman with horse who pre-registers and participates
Saturday and Sunday to offset this situation. Don’t forget to bring a current
original Coggins certificate.
Due to insurance restrictions, safety, and liability concerns, the
Battle of Aiken must be supervised by a reenactment body that will
sanction the event. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, B/G Barnard E.
Bee Camp 1575, have chosen the South Carolina Palmetto Battalion for
this responsibility. All reenactors who will
be in command positions will report to the Palmetto Battalion commander
or his staff to work out command responsibilities. Palmetto Battalion
safety rules will be in effect. Reenactors must register with photo ID
and will be issued battlefield passes that will be checked prior to the
battle. Thank you for your cooperation. ---Richard Walling, Commander,
B/G Barnard E. Bee Camp.
To accurately portray all of the scheduled events this year, all
Confederate Units should be prepared to galvanize for one day if necessary
to balance opposing forces.
Colonel Claude Sinclair, Palmetto Battalion will be in overall
command. It is mandatory for all Battlefield Participants to attend
Morning Parade at 0830. All
unattached participants will be assigned to a unit at Morning
Parade. No Side Knives (Bowie)
will be allowed on the field.
Safety Rules can be found at www.palmettobattalion.org. Specialized units should contact
Daniel Williams at 803-507-6308.
THE PERIOD BAND, UNRECONSTRUCTED--- WILL PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT AGAIN
THIS YEAR! DON’T MISS OUR LEGENDARY DANCE AT THE PAVILLION!
Nationally recognized Sutlers – The Best in the Industry – will be
at this event. This is the place
to find the best selection.
REGISTRATION FEE?
None. (But please feel
free to make a donation at the Registration Site to cover Reenactor
amenities and Battlefield land purchase.) Pre-registration by December 31st,
guarantees amenities of battle program, straw, and firewood. As you
know, the Camp purchased their own property to
have a permanent home for this event. This park is the only one we’ve
heard about created specifically for Reenactors and Living
History. Finally a home of your
own! Your support and donations
in helping to create the Battle of Aiken Park is appreciated!
Artillery:
Due to space restraints, artillery guns allowed on the field
will be limited to those that participated last year. Individuals of
other units may attend and camp, but space and safety require the
limitation of guns on the field. EXTRA GUNS MAY BE LEFT IN CAMP FOR
SPECTATOR VIEWING. Contact _____________
for further information..
Take in more action! We need participants for Friday’s school
skirmish. This is the largest School Living History Event in the state
with up to 4000 kids attending. This is what it’s all about isn’t
it? Please attend if you
can. Please Arrive at 0830 to
participate in Friday’s Action.
Those arriving before 1130 Friday are asked to report directly
to the Battlefield with musket after registering.
TRAFFIC: For safety concerns, with the
possibility of 4,000 school kids, all camps will be closed to autos on
Friday between 0900 and 1500.
Camp setup will be allowed during these times, but vehicles will
not be allowed in the area.
Vehicles will be allowed in camps between 1500 and 2400 for Thirty
(30) minutes to drop off gear.
This will avoid congestion and free up tent set-up space, it is
very important that you remove cars from the camps as soon as you
unload your gear. The Provost
will enforce this requirement.
Shuttles will be available from the parking areas back to the
camps. Vehicles parked and unattended
in unauthorized areas will be towed at the owner’s expense. Parking passes must be displayed to
prevent this from happening.
We are always looking for specialized impressions for our school day
and spectators on Saturday and Sunday:
medical, chaplains, fife & drums, civilians, undertakers,
period wagon & mules, weddings, etc. if your group wants to do a
skit or special presentation - court martial scene, etc - please let us
know so we can get you on the schedule.
EMAIL: dwonfire@msn.com
A taste of the old south! Again our food area will have 5 to eight
quality vendors. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available. Take
in a taste of the old south.
Sponsored by the 13th and14th SC, and Barnard E. Bee Camp of the
SCV.
Make sure we have your correct address for you to get our next
newsletter:
Battle of Aiken
PO Box 1863
Aiken, SC
29802.
FAX: 803-
EMAIL:
www.battleofaiken.org
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