ENGLISH CAMP

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Fifth Annual Encampment August 23-24, 2003

Photos of by Matt Pranger

EDITOR's NOTE: Photos are of the first day of encampment August 23, 2003. The schedule for Sunday's activities is posted below the photos.

updated 08/24/03
PRESS RELEASE: Re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada will celebrate peace as they gather for the fifth annual Encampment scheduled August 23-24, 2003 on the English Camp parade ground on San Juan Island. The free event commemorates the peaceful joint occupation of San Juan Island by British and American forces from 1859 to 1872, and final, peaceful settlement of the Northwest Boundary dispute.

Throughout the joint occupation the garrisons would exchange visits to celebrate holidays that included Christmas, the Fourth of July and Queen Victoria's birthday. Typically the men would participate in athletic contests, imbibe in spirits and other refreshments and usually host a dance to which the community was invited.

The Encampment tradition was renewed in 1998 on the occasion of the dedication of English Camp's 80-foot flagpole, a gift to the park by the people of the United Kingdom. More than 90 partner re-enactors from Fort Langley, Fort Rodd Hill, New Westminster, and Esquimalt, British Columbia; and Fort Nisqually, Fort Steilacoom, and Fort Vancouver will join with San Juan Islanders in staging the two-day exhibition.

Activities include recreations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of music, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, sewing and cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue.

Highlight of the weekend is the Candlelight Ball, scheduled at 7:30 p.m., in the English Camp barracks. The public is invited to join in the dancing and refreshments that will include the tradition cake and punch. Music will be provided by the folk group Sugar on the Floor.

The weekend kicks off with a performance of The Life and Times of General George Pickett at 8 p.m. Friday at the San Juan Juan Community Theatre and Art Centre. Call the theatre box office at 360-378-3210 for tickets .

For more information on Encampment 2003 and to view photos from last year's event visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/.

Disabled persons should call the park at 378-2240 or 378-2902 for special access information.

On Saturday, August 23, re-enactors went to Roche Harbor Village and paraded to the lawn where they fired the cannon three times.

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