Fort Ti F&I "Grand" Encampment?

[ADK Ephraim]

Just returned from Ti - anyone care to comment on what's happened to what's been the premier F&I War event? The very obvious lack of reenactors was difficult not to notice! Aside from the usual wet conditions again this year, the sutlers row was very well represented with varied craftsmen and sellers. Rumors of reenactor discontent were rampant!

 

[Ranger1759]

I heard it was the new park manager and new "rule for reenactors" such as no facial hair that has kept a lot of guys from going....and I'm sure gas prices are somewhat to blame too...

We'll see what Ft. Niagara looks like this weekend, I hope we have a good turnout....

Ranger

 

[Vtsmoker]

I was there Saturday. Very bummed at the admission fee and IMO sutlers row was dissapointing. Prices were high and presentation was terrible. Wanted to get some stuff for my kit but couldn't get anyone to aknowledge my presence in their tent. If they charge for admission at the Rev. war encampment in September I won't be going. :bull: New management?? That explaines it!!

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

It wasn't a Rumor, it was Reality!

NOBODY from one of the Clubs that I belong to (that goes every year) went to the event at all. Seems that politics and facial hair fiasco ruined it for those members.

Too bad, they usually had a great time....

Dave

 

[gearheart]

Fort Niagara? What's on at Fort Niagara?

 

[gearheart]

OK I googled it. I'm going down tomorrow or would Saturday be better?

 

[Trench]

What was the facial hair issue?

 

[ADK Ephraim]

Trench - take a look at the reenact or requirements to participate:
http://www.fortticonderoga.org/views/media/Clash_for_Empire_Guidelines.pdf

Mess to this degree with the reenactor groups that make the Grand Encampment such a great event and you'll kill the golden laying goose that supports this privately owned historic site! mjw

 

[Trench]

Trench - take a look at the reenact or requirements to participate:
http://www.fortticonderoga.org/views/media/Clash_for_Empire_Guidelines.pdf

Mess to this degree with the reenactor groups that make the Grand Encampment such a great event and you'll kill the golden laying goose that supports this privately owned historic site! mjw

I read it, and didn't see anything necessarily wrong with it. But then, I didn't know what it was like beforehand. Was the problem that they wanted everyone to change their normal day-to-day appearance in order to participate?

 

[ADK Ephraim]

From what I'd gathered in conversations after he event, it seems these new, stricter participation requirements of re-enactors are an abrupt change from previous requirements and really struck many as too much, too quick. The previous director of Fort Ti, N. Westbrook, had a much more closer affiliation with the re-enactors, as a whole. Unfortunately, the consensus of attendees was that serious harm was done in the manner of enforcing these new requirements and that future F&I War events here at Ti were likely to be much less well attended. There were even rumors that the very few attending British re-enactors were provided stipends to attend! Perhaps August's Fort Crown Point gathering will gain added stature in the F&I War events. mjw