Reenactor Info

Military, Civilian & Summer Fair

GENERAL INFORMATION

This year’s event registration deadline will be June 1, 2012.

Registrations must include a complete list of all members who will be attending – if you are not sure if one of your members will attend, err on the side of caution and include their names on your list!

We will be hosting a number of different contests and competitions for reenactors to participate in this year. Please see the descriptions below for more information and indicate your interest on the registration form.

BOUNTIES

There will be a limited number of bounties for artillery and for horses, available on a first come, first served basis. Register early!

Please note: Units that qualify for bounties will be notified in advance of the event. If you do not receive a notification, you did not qualify for a bounty. A valid Tax ID or Social Security number is required to collect the bounty at the end of the event weekend, no exceptions.

SUMMER FAIR

Please note: If you are a vendor and your main purpose is retail sales, please register as a sutler. There is no charge to participate in the Fair, however it is a juried event and sales are limited. The main purpose of the Fair is educational and the following rules apply to all participants:
- Fair vendors are allowed to sell only civilian items.
- Fair vendors are not allowed to use electricity or any modern conveniences.
- Fair vendors must present an educational demonstration or presentation related to the articles in their booth.

Sutler Registration

This year's event registration deadline will be June 1, 2012.
Sutler fees are $25 for registration prior to and including March 1 and $40 after March 1.
Please note: Sutlers may choose to participate in the Summer Fair rather than Sutler’s Row. If you are interested in being a part of the Fair, please read those materials carefully and fill out the Military, Civilian and Fair registration form rather than the Sutler registration form.

Download Forms

Please note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print all forms. Download it here.

Please return registration materials to:

Civil War Coordinator
Lake County Discovery Museum
27277 Forest Preserve Drive
Wauconda, IL 60084
skuester@lcfpd.org

Contest Descriptions*

CAMP COOKING CONTEST
This contest is designed not just to test the culinary skills of the reenactors, but to emphasize authenticity. Each camp wishing to participate should indicate such on their registration form or when they register at the event. Materials for cooking will not be provided. Each camp will be responsible for their menu and should bring whatever material they deem correct to their impression. Emphasis will be placed on the accuracy of the meal to the overall camp impression. The judges will visit each camp to learn about the camp impression. They will take notes on such aspects of the meal as how the food was obtained, what implements are used in the preparation, what the camp is representing and the consistency of the meal to that impression. Each camp should be able to explain what their impression represents, where they are camped, and any other information requested consistent with your impression.

The judges will take a second walk around to taste the results of your efforts.
Our goal is to provide the public with another aspect of life during the Civil War. We take for granted the ability to walk into a grocery store and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables regardless of season. This was not how life was lived 150 years ago. When preparing your meal please consider what would reasonably be available to your camp. Our desire is to help educate the public on everyday life and would appreciate your help with this project.
INFANTRY LOADING & FIRING COMPETITION
The following contest is open to all reenactors both Federal and Confederate armed with a three band muzzle loading musket (standard infantry weapons).

Each contestant will load and fire a blank cartridge from the standing, kneeling and prone position. Loading procedure will follow standard drill manuals (Casey’s, Hardee’s, Gilham’s) and time penalties will be assessed for deviations from loading procedures. Timing will begin with the command “load.” Each contestant will load (including ramming) and fire from the standing position. Then take the kneeling position and load (including ramming) and fire from the knee. Then the contestant will move to the prone position and load (including ramming) and fire from the prone. Timing will cease when the contestant discharges the third round. Contestants will begin with an unloaded musket, and will not begin loading till the command is given. The contestant cannot handle a cartridge or begin reloading until the move to the next position. That is the contestant cannot reload while standing and then move to the knee to fire or load while kneeling and then move to the prone to fire. The judges will assess time penalties for deviations from the contestant’s selected infantry manual.
SKILLET TOSS
Come one, come all! Try your hand at the great Lake County Summer Fair Skillet Toss! How far can you throw a 12" cast iron skillet? How close can you get it to a specific target? Competitions for distance and for accuracy. Entries open to all. Catagories for Gentlemen, Ladies and Children under 16.
CAVALRY WEAPONS & HORSEMANSHIP CHALLENGE
The Cavalry Weapons Skills and Horsemanship Challenge will be loosely based on actual cavalry competitions.

Troopers will be asked to demonstrate their horsemanship abilities, pistol (and possibly sabre) skills over a predetermined course that they will have a given time to negotiate. Pistols will be loaded with blanks and targets will be balloons. Sabres shall be of 1860 or earlier Cavalry/Dragoon patterns. Pistols shall be of 1860 Navy or Cavalry .44 cal. pattern.

In the Horsemanship Skills phase,Troopers may be asked to mount/dismount correctly, show abilities to handle their horses at various gaits (walk/trot/canter) and proper equipment for their impressions.

*Prizes for all competitions will be announced at a later date.