There won’t be live ammunition fired at the Revolutionary War re-enactment at Cantigny Park, but simulated rounds from cannons, howitzers and mortars will pack plenty of punch.
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“It’s a lot of noise and smoke. The public loves it,” says Bill Hess, a member of North West Territory Alliance, the nonprofit Revolutionary War re-enactment organization that produces the event.
Besides creating such striking visuals as mock battles and troops marching to a fife and drums corps, the NWTA aims to educate the public on the American War of Independence. “You’d be surprised at the number of people who come to a Revolutionary War event and ask, ‘Are you blue or gray?’ ” says Marilyn Hess, Bill’s wife and a longtime member of the NWTA.
The living history lesson has been staged annually since 1987 by event sponsor Cantigny Park. More than 600 re-enactors will turn out in period costumes to create various aspects of the era. Visitors can walk through different encampments to get a close-up view of life in the 18th century. There will be British, Colonial, French and German military camps. A civilian camp will feature tradesmen of the era and members of the Philadelphia Ladies Association sewing shirts for George Washington’s army.
Uniformed re-enactors take to the field once each day for a battle demonstration. An announcer narrates the action via Cantigny’s sound system.
Grass seating is available at Parade Field for the battle re-creations. Visitors can bring blankets or chairs, as well as picnic fare; food and beverages also will be sold on the premises. Only heavy rain or lightning will stop the show, say organizers.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free admission; parking, $5; cantigny.org or 630-668-5161.