AAR: Funkstown

Greetings everyone,

The event at Funkstown this past weekend went very well. We had about 240 reenactors registered for the event up from 64 last year...the first year the town council took over the event.

A more reenactor friendly event you will not find as the participants from 1st Battalion and Artillery will attest to. Plenty of good wood, 5 gal bottled water and close at hand sinks...but, beyond that... The 97 PA string band was there all weekend, meal tokens issued for a Saturday meal of your choice at Fire Company stand (which served food at reasonable cost all weekend)and a Saturday evening fireworks display that was on par with any fourth of July display you will see. The cars were parked off site, out of view (but reasonably close) and they ran shuttles to parking when needed. Ice, on site 10 lb bags for a buck and a half...camping in shaded corpse of trees and everything very handy.

We foraged the town on Saturday morning and not only gathered a decent amount but were guests of the Hoffman family of Funkstown who provided a spread fit for a king. Country ham, pulled pork, fresh made lemonaide, all kinds of pies...etc....etc... After, foraging we did a morning street battle down Main street in Funkstown...was pretty decent. A well attended late afternoon early evening battle on the orginal battlefield (right next to camp) capped the day. Fireworks end kicked off the barn dance , music by the 97th Pa string band. Sunday morning, the fire company had a "all you can eat" breakfast $6 or use your meal token. Sunday also brought a 1 pm tatical that also went pretty well, done early and home in time to rest up.

It became very apparent that the whole town is supporting this event...so many folks (including Mayor and Council members)coming by and expressing thanks to the reenactors for being there. Always checking to see what was needed or wanted.The fire company also had an on site AC aid station and did blood pressure checks, hydration assesments and so forth...or was just a place to get cooled down quickly if needed.

A full but not hurried schedule for the weekend provided a relaxing and interesting event.

I appreciate the support of the Birney's units in attendance!

I think they would agree this little event is a real "gem"!

I remain, respectfully & c.....,

D. Rohrbaugh, Lieut. Col.
1st Battalion Birney's Division