Revolutionary War Days in Nevada City, CA - Sep 2017

"Revolutionary War Days"

9-10 Sep 2017

Nevada City, CA

After Action Report

On September 9^th and 10^th, 2017, the "Revolutionary War Days" event was held for the fifth year at Pioneer Park in the Gold Rush town of Nevada City in Northern California. The event was conducted by the Haslet's Delaware Regiment (Brigade of the American Revolution), and was sponsored by the Nevada City Constitution Day Commission. Nevada City celebrates Constitution Days that weekend, including a parade on Sunday afternoon. California’s official fife & drum band, the California Consolidated Drum Band, provided period music throughout the event and during the parade. The British Brigade’s 33^rd Regiment of Foot supported its members’ participation at the event, joined by a New Jersey Loyalist.  The living history encampment included tented stations of Revolutionary War era civilian life and activities, fife & drum station, and an encampment of soldiers’ tents.

 Demonstrations included:

·   flag raising and lowering to fife & drum

·   soldier weapons inspection, manual of arms drill and firing demonstrations

·   skirmish between opposing forage parties

·   firing contest between Redcoats and Continentals

·   fife & drum concerts

·   replica George Washington camp tent with bed, desks, accouterments and chairs, telling stories of the “real” George Washington

·   kids drill with replica muskets

·   colonial chocolate beverage

·   apothecary/surgeon

·   milliner

·   soldier camp life

·   town crier narrating events and telling Revolutionary stories

·   soldier uniforms, weapons and equipment

·   Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) station on genealogy and American flags

·   History Hunt with kids completing a sheet of questions on the Revolution and identifying various camp activities, with a reward of several Ben Franklin gold coins (chocolate)

Public attendance was estimated to be about 300; good considering the very hot summer, although event weather was milder.  Those attending stayed at the encampment a long time listening to stories of the Revolution, watching demonstrations, asking questions and taking in the atmosphere. Eight large color placards told the story of the Revolution year by year. Visitors collected pamphlets of the US Constitution & Declaration of Independence at the event.  Drilling the public with replica muskets was again a huge hit and amusing to watch for spectators.  Redcoats and Rebels competed in a “volley firing while advancing” race, with both sides firing very effectively and the Redcoats taking a close victory. Reenactors from Southern California and Nevada joined local reenactors at the event. An evening group dinner at a nearby Nevada City restaurant in uniform provided well deserved relaxation and entertainment. The event concluded on Sunday afternoon with a Constitution Day parade with the CA Consolidated Drum Band, Delawares and 33rds marching as a joint entry through downtown Nevada City.  (We placed 2^nd in the parade, behind the Submarine Veterans.)

We had a splendid time helping children and adults understand and appreciate the story of the courageous men and women who lived these times.

Huzzah!