Starting an Event

[Quinn]

Hello all

I live in a small town in Southwest Ohio and they used to do a Civil War reenactment/living history in our community center. For one reason or another (not sure why since I was young ) they stopped putting them on. I was wondering if anybody had any advice on how to get this up and going again? Morgan's Raid came right up the main street in our town so the historical significance is there. Being that it is the 150th of the war I would like to honor my town and the Civil War vets buried in the cemetery there. So, if anybody has ever planned an event or started one up I could really use some direction! Ive been a reenactor for awhile now so Im hoping that my understanding of the needs of the reenactors will help in planning. Thank you!

 

[Lazy Bayou]

Welcome from Mississippi and good luck with your event.

 

[Quinn]

Thank you! Im from just outside Cincinnati. Not a lot of Civil War activity here but enough that keeps me interested!

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Hey Cadet, I'm from south western Ohio. What town are you talking about? I have been haunting reenactments since 1976. I can remember the poorly run event at Augusta Ky. (site of a very fierce skirmish). Reason that one was not repeated is because of lack of safety and very poor planning. I was shot point blank with a shotgun, by a very ***** young man, who had no training.

There is tons of historical sites on the southern side of the river within a couple of hours to explore.

 

[Quinn]

Im from Harrison Ohio, right on the Indiana boarder. Thats where I would like to hold the event as well. There is a ton of hidden Civil War history in the area and it would be nice if some of that could be brought to the public.

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Super, good to hear from a fellow "southern Ohioian".

Pvt. Shawn D. Swart
6th Ky Co. C. CSA/ 13th Ky Co. D USA

 

[Quinn]

Yeah it is! Not too many of us in the reenactment community in my area. Seems its a lot of "Man thats really cool" talk but nothing ever gets done about it as far as events go. Thats why Im hoping to get this event in Harrison up and running for the 150th of Morgan coming into town in 2013. Maybe we can recruit there too and bring the number of southern Ohio reenactors up a bit.

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Keep me in the loop, if you want my contact information send me a PM.

 

[kel1985]

Hey from Pennsylvania! If you do wind up putting something together, please post, I live close enough and would like to attend!

 

[Quinn]

Will do for both of you! Im in the process of getting meetings with the town recreation panel and historical society. Seems like the first logical step for me. All the reenactors in the area I have talked about this with have been really willing to help. So far so good!

 

[M E Wolf]

Quinn,

I am hopeful for your success sir.

I'm sure some of those who have organized huge events may be helpful with advice--what they have learned by doing first hand...especially to the two brigade level of participation by re-enactors and support.

In being involved with several meetings the needs of re-enactors are many and recreation/city/town government, et.al., haven't a clue; e.g. hay for horses, water for both, wood, place to dig a fire pit and who is responsible to fill it, pick up unused wood, etc.

M. E. Wolf

 

[Quinn]

Informal meeting with the rec commission went well. They are on board so far! They want a cost analysis. So.. How much would a small event cost a city? And what does that money go towards? I reall appreciate all the help given by you guys!

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

define small?

 

[Quinn]

Last event i was at was described as small. Less than 50 infantry, 3 cannon and 3 total calvary. So something around that size

 

[Sagebrush]

Location? In town or outside of town? Open area or surrounded by structures? How much area do you have to work with? Will it be primarily a living history event with a skirmish or two? Needs to have a theme. If it is to reenact a specific event, then you've got your theme. Are you going to attempt to reenact an event that actually occurred in the area? I assume the city is considering footing the bill since they want a cost analysis. Would the event be free to reenactor (no registration) and spectator (no admission), alike? Time of year? One day or two day event? If it is during the school year, having a School Day on that Friday may be a consideration. And, as ME Wolf mentions, you need to determine what practical things you need and what the city is willing to provide. Any meals provided or at least a Saturday evening meal?

Based upon preliminary interest from local reenactors, and it is probably difficult to estimate at this point, about how many can you conservatively expect to participate? If it is a small, local event, you are pretty much going to have to rely on local reenactors, meaning within roughly an hour's radius. After you've got a handle on what you have to work with in terms of resources and a set date---ADVERTISE! ADVERTISE! ADVERTISE! Early and often!!! Research all media options available to you, especially those that offer free advertising.

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

I agree, you need a couple of years to organize and advertise. Research what happened in the area when Morgan came through. Attempt to replay some of those events for the spectators. BTW. If you put the main event on a soccer field, count me out. You will need good ground. Also if you know quality units, invite them at least a year early, so they can make plans after this coming season is over. Ask the units if they are able to galvanize for the sake of the event, good units will. Also set some ground rules, including safety standards, uniform and equipment standards, age standards, ect. Since this is about Morgan's raid, you may consider a bounty paid to MOUNTED troops. Ask for period full size cannons only, and limit thier number. So if you know Morgan came through with a section of light horse guns, set a bounty to recruit those guns. Keep a eye on your ratios also, if your scenarios require them. Secure proper hay, straw, water, based on the projected numbers with the ability to call in some more if you get a superior turnout. Also with Cavalry, you need plenty of room. Nothing sucks more for the mounted than not having room to roam. You need to treat those folks with some extra love. They tend to get the short end at events, yet they have the largest investment in the hobby.

 

[Quinn]

Unfortunately it will probably end up being on a soccer field type field. The town is either farm land or soccer fields haha. The community center field that used to hold it is actually pretty nice though and considering that the city wants to make it a city sponsored event they will pick the land. Local units are used to having this time of land so its nothing new to any of those I have talked to. As of now the date is set for late July 2013. Morgan came into town on july 11th but I wanted to give people enough time to recover from Gettysburg 150. Conservative number of participants would be 50 infantry and 2 cannon. That is what is available locally with the numbers being about 65% Confederate and 35% Union but there are units who do both. Once again nothing we are not used to. 2 day event with skirmishes (cant really call it a battle) both days and living history in the mean time. The one thing I am really really pushing for is a Saturday night concert by Camp Chase Fife and Drum. My band director from high school is a member and they have done small shows in town over the years. That email is being sent today. In my mind I see a super small, family friendly mainstream event focusing more on living history and the history of the town more than a grand battle. I do have a contact that plays Morgan so thats a plus as well. Nothing to write home about but a fun event for those who participate and a nice local event for the people who dont otherwise get to see civil war events.

 

[Pvt.A.Wells]

Well I'd rather do it such event on farm land arranged by the owners. That said, if I do not have other events on those dates, I will come and help. You know the 6th Ohio is out of Cincinnati right? 20+ union troops right there. There is a Southern Ohio artillery unit also. I'm surprised about the confederates. I didn't know there were many in southern Ohio. If you wish I'll invite members of my unit. Make sure you have enough land. A game field is too small. Mounted troops hate not having enough room, and there are safety problems with artillery in limited space with no high ground.