Monday, May 11, 2009
A Very Good War
Hundreds of children from throughout Puget Sound found fun and education in Lakewood over the weekend during the return of the Civil War Re-Enactment. The news media was really kind to this event. I am floored by the wonderful video that KING TV photojournalist Ron Sanford put together. Check it out on the KING website.
There were some other great reports in The News Tribune, such as a blog posting in advance of the event by Brent Champaco and an article by John Gillie. Funds raised covered expenses (insurance, portable toilets, etc...)
We had been a bit concerned that Mother's Day might put a damper on attendance, but attendance was great on Sunday. There were a lot of happy-looking moms! Good weather and our lovely Lakewood setting had to help.
I was a bit surprised and embarrassed about how many Lakewood residents grumbled to me and my fellow ticket-takers about paying for admission. There were hundreds of re-enactors who traveled on their own dime to be there and perform. It would never occur to me to demand the Lakewood Playhouse or the movie theaters give me free admission because I live in Lakewood. But I guess this event seemed different to people because the event was staged in a park. I hope people realized the money covered expenses as well as the restoration of Lakewood's wonderful pre-Civil War treasure, Fort Steilacoom.
