Pioneer days continues today
PERRYOPOLIS – It’s been a few hours since the last battle, but the men who fought in it are still recovering. The wool uniforms are warm, but the canvas tents provide some relief from the sun as they mend their guns and prepare for the next round of combat. The tactical battle lasted about an hour. During that time, onlookers watched as the men from the north and south fought in the noonday heat. There were explosions: cannons fired, guns shot.
“This is real history coming alive,” said Harry Fisher of Perry Township.
Fisher, event coordinator of Perryopolis Pioneer Days being held this weekend, said the pyrotechnics add an extra element to the Civil War re-enactment.
Sitting in a small cabin, smoking a cigar after the battle, the 70-year-old man said the special effects are the same as those used in the movies.
“You’re getting Hollywood effects,” he said.
Fisher said Bryce Rinkhoff was in charge of the pyrotechnics this year and said the man did a “bang-up job.”
Rinkhoff said it takes him about three hours to set up the charges, which have to be buried in the ground. He said he sets them off from an observation tower during the re-enactment.
The explosions, according to Rinkhoff, make it look as though a battle is really going on.
About 125 re-enactors took part in Pioneer Days this year, with the Confederates outnumbering the Yankees, Fisher said.
However, Fisher said he expected some men would join the Union Army, at which time the Battle of Petersburg, Va., will be re-enacted.
“Some will go with the other side,” he said.
Fisher said General Hancock will lead the Union Army and said Capt. Finnigan will lead the Confederate forces.
People, according to Fisher, are interested in watching reenactments and learning about the past and said visitors are encouraged to tour the soldiers’ encampment, which is open to the public except during the times of battle.
He said about 300 to 400 showed up to watch Saturday’s re-enactment and said he expects more people to attend today’s battle.
A military church service, 1860s style, will be held today at 11 a.m., followed by a military dress parade at noon.
Eldo DiVirgilio, who serves on the board of directors for the 17th annual Perryopolis Pioneer Days, said the turnout was “exceptional” and said this is the biggest crowd he’s ever seen.
With all of the parking lots full, DiVirgilio said the board of directors will have to make sure there are more places to park next year.
“It’s been great,” he said. “We have a lot going on, a lot of crafts and things and a lot of good food.
“This is the maybe the best Pioneer Days we’ve ever had.”