Winner of the Governor’s Award for Best Tourist Event
Proceeds fund the Brig. Gen. Barnard E. Bee Confederate Memorial Park. 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 add to our current site and amenities.
Notice to Calvarymen
A current, original Coggins certificate for your horse is required. Please note that horse hay will not be provided this year. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we cannot guarantee the feed quality and are concerned for the horses’ safety.
Liability and Safety Concerns
Due to insurance restrictions, safety, and liability concerns, the Battle of Aiken is supervised by a reenactment body that will sanction the event. All reenactors in command positions will report to the battalion commander or his staff to coordinate command responsibilities. Safety rules will be enforced. Reenactors must register with photo ID and be issued battlefield passes that are checked prior to the battle.
To accurately portray this year’s events, all Confederate units should be prepared to galvanize for one day if necessary to balance opposing forces. It is mandatory for all battlefield participants to attend morning parade at 0830. All unattached participants will be assigned to a unit at this time. No side knives (bowies) are allowed on the field.
Registration fee
The fee for those who register by Jan. 31, is $5 and guarantees amenities for the battle, including straw and firewood. Those who register after Jan. 31, or who walk on the day of the event must pay $10. Registration is required for everyone in period dress and everyone must sign a release before participating on site.
Artillery
Due to space constraints, artillery guns allowed on the field will be limited to those who pre-register and are accepted. 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.
Friday fieldtrip for kids
We need participants for Friday’s school skirmish. Ours is the largest living history event in the state, with 4,000 kids attending. Arrive at 0830 to participate. After registering, please report to the battlefield with your musket. We are always looking for specialized impressions, including medics, chaplains, fife and drums, civilians, undertakers, period wagons and mules. Special impressions must be coordinated prior to your arrival. If your group is interested in performing a skit or making a presentation please contact Wayne Jones.
TRAFFIC
All camps will be closed to automobiles on Friday between 0800 and 1500. Camp setup is allowed during these times, but vehicles are not allowed in the area.
Vehicles will be allowed in camps between 1500 and 2400 for 30 minutes to drop off gear. To avoid congestion, please remove cars from 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. A completed parking pass must be displayed in the windshield with a contact number. Vehicles must only be parked in authorized areas. Vehicle displaying handicap stickers, and artillery and cavalry trailers should be in the modern cavalry area. All other vehicles must be parked in the reenactor parking lot, no exceptions. |
