I went up to this event as spectator with my son and a potential recruit.

The day started hot and very muggy.  When we arrived at the event site the temps were already close to 95+ with what felt like 80-90% humidity.  We found the confederates in the midst of drill and they looked rather hot in their shirts as they had left their coats behind.  
The "dashing" officer lead them through the manual of arms, facings and then to top it off a bit of bayonet drill.  It was a nice chance for me to talk to the potential recruit and explain to him what he was seeing and answer any questions about what would be expected of him.  Our own illustrious Bill Rodman was in the drilling company, and also were parts of the unit I belong to.  So they were looking pretty sharp as they drilled and after they were done, and broke ranks, we chatted with them and I introduced the fresh fish to them.
We took a tour of the camp and then headed up to "sutler" row and there wasn't much there to look at, but I did find myself a small tin cup that I was looking for.  So that was a plus.  As I explained to the boy with me, that he won't be expected to buy anything right away and to not get anything without talking to us first.  
After grabbing some lunch we went to find a spot for the battle.  Along came the confederate column and after some good natured ribbing from the boys in the ranks they headed off to the shade to relax until it was their turn to go in.  It was at this point why I realized why I do infantry and also why I don't spectate often.  I helped answer a question about the difference between a forage cap, kepi and "slouch" hat but then the artillery dual began.  And lingered with the confed's having a couple of misfires.  Then the "cavalary" dual began and rode amongst each other and popped their pistols and then rally and in with the sabers and then rally and charge..   One thing they need to realize is that as close as the spectators are to this event we can hear the conversations they are having while "fighting"..
Once this was completed, the horses were removed and they dismounted and went into skirmish drill.  After a little while of this the infantry got involved and the fight moved back and forth over the field until the rebs were soundly decimated.  And as usual, they were outnumbered but still took more hits than the federals.
After the event, the recruit I brought with me had more questions but still seemed enthusiatic about going to an event.
So all in all it was a plus.

Hibernia is the ultimate "family friendly" event. It required both my van and Sandy's convertable to haul all our stuff for the weekend. R.E. Lee would have thought he'd died and gone to heaven if he saw this private's accomodations. Well, to be more accurate, Sandy and Lauren's accomodations. There was no room for me in the wall tent, so I slept outside, under the mist and tree sap. There were no stars to be seen.

Greg was right, it was hot on Saturday. In fact, it was about as hot as any event I can remember attending. The wet bulb temperature for Saturday's "battle" was 117 degrees. I'll give the cavalry credit, after the mounted demonstration, they dismounted and fought as skirmishers. We did take a lot of hits, I'm not sure if this was for historical accuracy, or if it was just easier to lie down and not get back up!

I lived like a king Saturday night. There were thunder storms, which Lauren hates, so she wanted to go home. When it was time to go to bed, I stripped off about the first three layers of bedding on Lauren's cot and crawled into a nylon sleeping bag with a full size pillow. The rain hitting the canvas was the perfect sleeping pill. It's been a long time since I slept that well at an event.

The weather was a little better on Sunday, but not much. It was the Federal's turn to lose and they did a good job of taking hits and falling back. As is the case at many events, where the spectator area is small, the ranges were too close, but I don't think we ever fired more that one or two rounds from any position, so it didn't look too bad.

We had spectators in camp. It's fun explaining that no Civil War soldier, including R.E. Lee ever lived as well as I was living.  Sometimes, explaining to people what's wrong is as instructional as showing them what's right.

I'm planning to get everything cleaned an put away by tonight.

Can you find the "fence sitter" here??  

Yep. Ugly cuss ain't he?

Ken,

That slouch hat I'm wearing is older than the combined ages of the two young men in the file behind me.  

We've really been working on our late war Confederate impression, a lot of old men and teenagers!  

It really stinks when your eyes start bleeding at your desk at work. And I'm out of paper towels.





Just Kidding Bill. Nice looking bunch.

I can make an avatar out of that one if you want Bill.

It is good to see young people in the hobby.

No, not you, charming Billy, as I know you are old enough to leave your mother.  

Not to let Bill take up all the fence, some of us curmudgeons (with or without a big fluffy white cat for Xmas, Mr. Amory) do attend a farbfest or 'streamer event now and then.  Quite the adjustment it can be, too.

Quote :

Ken Cornett wrote : I can make an avatar out of that one if you want Bill.

Thanks Ken,

But, I have a photo I'd like to use, as soon as I figure out how to send it to you!  

Notice that young man carrying the big bag. There's a set of bagpipes hidden in that bag. After we got to the place we were to be held in reserve, his father went out into the woods and serenaded us with a medley of bagpipe tunes. Funny, nobody ever saw the piper, or the pipes. They just heard the music. Hibernia is a different event.