The Battle of Union Gap event went great this year. The weather was cool and the schedule was accommodating for lots of drill, team building, and shenanigans. The public turn was great and we saw some of the highest public engagement at the event in years. Though, on the camp life size the 1st Sgt struggled with one of his greatest peeves: randos cutting through the company street. Now, for any knowledgeable reenactor, asking for permission to enter camp at the end of the street is common practice but not so much for farbs and some mainstreamers. Sgt. Spiekerman did an incredible job "educating" unknowing "officers" trying to take short cuts. Others, took turns to stand guard to do our part to remind officers of one of the most basic elements of military routine.
     Lots of fun was had in camp. One of the most hilarious highlights was when a bunch of the 2nd and 20th ME discovered one could button their coats together like a shelter half and challenged themselves to walk around camp and visit battalion as their own new organism. It was a hoot. 
     The battles were alright, though it was the last battle of the event that really stood out. The two battalions worked together on a great scenario that played out wonderfully. Company D captured two companies and a bugler and had some incredible support from Union cavalry. 
     Overall, it was a delightful weekend. It was great to see units really support each other and dig into the drill manuals. Even officers worked on their study including when Capt. Whitehall taught the manual of the sword. The two armies played well together and everyone brought lots of great information, scenarios, and demonstration for the public. We hope to see everyone in Yelm next month.
     

     The new Spokane event site was great. Farby, but great. It was at this event, I learned to embrace that #farblife and just have a good time. Everywhere you looked, you were surrounded by modernity, but the site was comfortable, the food vendors were probably the best every, the event host was gracious and wonderful, and the battlefield was decent. Most notable, was the incredible public turnout for the event. It's been years since the public not only showed up for the battle but also spent lots of time in the camps, asking questions, enjoying the pavilion demonstrations, and various skits throughout camp. The slower pace of the weekend allowed for so much more bonding, teaming building, dreaming, and planning. 
      Perhaps my favorite part of the new site was the march to the battlefield. It's been awhile since the armies have had a chance to have a meaningful march. The great part of it was watching all the locals drive by the armies on the movie and slow down their driving and pull out their phones to photo or record the most unusual sight.
     The extra down time allowed for old friends to reconnect after a long off season, companies to share knowledge and experience, and to socialize unlike usual events where the agenda can be so crammed packed that we barely have time to fill canteens. The battles were decent and wonderfully narrated by the ever improving announcer who does such a great job of educating and keeping the public engaged. We hope to be there again next year.