Old Fort MacArthur Days - 11 JUL 2009

Billed as "one of the largest multi-cultural, living history events in Southern California" this year it was bigger and better than ever. "A truly spectacular event, showcasing the history of military activity from around the world and across time." A pacifist like myself, might describe it as the idealization of men and their wars. It seemed like every type of uniform every worn, was presented in the opening parade.

Re-enactment enthusiasts and their families spent the week-end living in tents, cooking like their historical counter parts and making hand-crafted items. 

While "lookie lou's" like myself paid the $10 admission fee to observe the activities while wearing comfortable cloths appropriate for a hot summer day.

I saw the pouring of lead into a musket ball mold, while my brother saw the making of lead pencils using a sand cast method. We both passed on the Civil War Medical Tent demonstration. Get your free amputations...no waiting.

 I didn't know a cannon could blow a smoke ring.

Throughout the day they had re-enactments of famous battles...I felt very Rosenthalist when I got this shot of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.

Famous image by Joe Rosenthal

As I was leaving, I saw this wench who had just got her hand painted.

There was no sign of Tinky Winky...must still be hanging out with the musicians.
 
Check out these links for more Old Fort MacArthur Days:
Old Fort MacArthur Days - 2015 
Old Fort MacArthur Days - 2014