Question about events

[Maestro]

I've never been to a "rondezvous" type of event ( the closest thing has been Dixon's Muzzleloading Fair in Kempton, PA) but I'm really interested in doing the "primitive" camping at some point. I've been getting my wife and children (girl, 5 & boy, 3) interested in 18th century life as well. We homeschool these kids and (yes, I know they're still quite young) I think that this would be an excellent history tool for them, not to mention the flintlock shooting for me. :winking:

My question about these events concerns alchohol use... my wife and I choose to "abstain" from alchohol (even though we spent many past years performing in clubs and bars!) and some sutlers I've dealt with have said that some events seem to "revolve" around the "tavern".

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't expect everyone to make the same choices that I do and I certainly have no problem with someone having a brew or two. However, since I wouldn't take my family out to any local 21st cent. bar, I wouldn't do it in 1770 either. Are some of these events more "family friendly" than others and how would I know?

Godspeed,

Maestro

 

[shmrck1]

Maestro,
I am really surprised you have not gotten any replies
to your concerns. I am personaly not involed in such activities i would suggest you contact the event organizers and just flatout ask them what their rules are concerning alcohol. just a thought :m2c:
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
snake-eyes :thumbsup: eace:

 

[BambiSlayer]

I dont live in PA anymore but my brothers/sisters do so I try to keep up on some events. Try to contact some one with the Lancaster Co. long rifle club. Last year(04) They held a rondevous at {Muddy Run Park}. The last I knew Muddy Run didnt allow alcholic type parties. :hmm: If you contact the Muddy Run Park personel Im sure they can give you more info or direct you to who can help you. :thumbsup:

 

Maestro,
Indeed, some events revolve around parties and rowdy activities. Those events usually become well known in any given area and you can detirmine the focus of an event by asking around a bit.

Most reenactment activities I have attended over the years have been calm (relitive term). There is a great deal of laughing, a bit of hollering (that's a southern word for talking loud enough to be heard a mile away) and a lot of fun. Drinking is sometimes optional and when done is restrained. You wouldn't know it was going on if you didn't investigate.

One way to control the environment is to go to a controled environment. Volnteer at a historic site that sponsers reenactment events. PA is loaded with them. Tap into the state park web page and you might be suprised at what is going on in your neighborhood.

Most sites are state or local government institutions that have a no-drinking restriction. That usually does not stop the intake completely, but it does calm the situation down to a slow sipping session by the campfire instead of a beer chugging contest!

Re-enactments and trade fairs are "usually" more oriented toward historical and educational activities. Rondys and frolics are usually about the social aspects of our activities. Most organizers of events are now in the computer age so you can contact them directly and find the orientation of their activities.

In 30 years of reenacting I have only been to one camp I wished that I had not attended due to alcahol, and I am a near tee-totaler, with a low tolerance for obnoxious drunks. That particular camp is also the best shooting match in the mid south and has grown rapidly over the years. We came to an agreement years back. Parties on the right side of camp, families and nonparty folks on the left side of camp. Everybody respects the boundries and wishes of the others.

This is one of the unusual things about reenactment activities. People respect your boundries without judgement. If someone wants to have a drink that is their business, if I do not wish to drink it is my business. I do not look down on them and they respect my personal choices. Families and kids are always welcome. We need young blood. The average reenactor is now over 50 years old!

 

[Leonredbeard]

Maestro,
Try Blue Ridge Rifles. They own property along PA 61 just north of the appalacian trail. There is some isolated drinking, but I have been there several times and have not seen any big parties. The little drinking that goes on there you can probably avoid. The shooting is a big item there with many serious shooters. The fourth of July shoot weekend is family fun with prizes brought by the contestants and put on a blanket. Top shooter gets first choice and down the line for that shoot. Other times the club provides the prizes. Look around there are some other shoots in Pa as well. How far will you travel? Union County ML association has its annual rifle frolic every Labor day weekend between Laurleton and Wickert at their club. It is a nice shoot and little partying, although you see the occasional woodsman with a brew in hand. Not while shooting, of course!
God bless.
volatpluvia

 

[Maestro]

Everybody respects the boundries and wishes of the others.

This is one of the unusual things about reenactment activities. People respect your boundries without judgement. If someone wants to have a drink that is their business, if I do not wish to drink it is my business. I do not look down on them and they respect my personal choices. Families and kids are always welcome. We need young blood. The average reenactor is now over 50 years old!

Thank you all for the feedback so far - this is exactly what I was hoping to hear.

 

[Mad Irish Jack]

I don't have the info for the PA Federation of Black Powder Shooters. Their yearly membership is minimal and you get a book with member club event schedules. Hopefully someone else can post the info for you.

 

Maestro
I was originaly from Pa and it was and still is a rule at all Pa State Parks the consumption of alcholic beverage is strickly prohibited.
This is not to say that as previously mentioned a tip of a beer or two around the campfire will not happen , but an all out beer drinking bash will defineately be out of the question and hell rasing will be coutured to a minimum for sure.

Woody