At 70, Fisher takes lead role in Perryopolis festival
PERRYOPOLIS – Age is just a number to Harry Fisher of Perry Township. “I don’t feel any older than I did 20 years ago,” he said.
At 70, Fisher is once again taking a lead role in planning and staging the Perryopolis Pioneer Days scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2.
He’s been doing it now for at least 12 years. A retired industrial electrician, his bailiwick is Civil War re-enactment. As an active member of the Tri-State Re-enactors Association, this is something he particularly enjoys.
Perryopolis Pioneer Days has been the beneficiary.
The Civil War games that are planned will highlight both days of the event.
Fisher easily slips into his role while describing the events that are to take place.
“General Hancock of the Union Army has a strategic plan,” said Fisher, who also serves as vice president of the Perryopolis Historical Society.
On Oct.1, “Gen. Hancock will have his men deployed on Youghiogheny Meadows. They will make a charge on Jewel Knob and meet with heavy artillery and infantry fire.”
Capt. James Finnigan of the Army of Northern Virginia who serves under Gen. A.P. Hill will lead the Confederate forces.
“The battle will be bigger and better than ever,” said Fisher, who was a player in the movie “Gods and Generals.”
“It will be a tactical battle,” Fisher said. “And it will be very authentic, lasting an hour or more.
There will be pyrotechnics – lots of smoke and fire. At least 200 soldiers will be involved.
“They will take the rebel force to Hopewell Hill. I just hope they spare the farmers’ harvest (hay bales) nearby,” he said, tongue in cheek.
Visitors will also get to see the aftermath of the battle, “the care given to the wounded and the carrying off of the dead,” he said. “It is so realistic, that sometimes you think they are really dead.”
Visitors can tour the soldiers’ encampment, which is open to the public except during the times of the battles. They can see how soldiers really lived in Civil War days.
“This is like living history,” Fisher said. At 7 p.m., there will be a military ball that is open to anyone who wants to participate.
“Women will be in their ball gowns – hoop dresses. The men will be all cleaned up and looking their best,” Fisher said.
It will all be held at the Fisher Stage – named after Harry Fisher. “In case of rain, it will be held on the upper floor of the Sons of Italy Hall,” he said.
The music for the ball will be provided by Acoustic Shadows of the Blue & Gray. Fisher, a member of Acoustic Shadows, has served as president of the Old Time Fiddlers’ Association of Pennsylvania. He has played a five-string banjo for more than 25 years. He sings lead and bass vocals with the group. Sunday’s events have a similar flavor. A military church service, 1860s style, is planned for 11 a.m.
“It will be held outdoors, in a grassy field,” Fisher said. “There will also be a military dress parade at noon. Everyone has to look their best for that,” he said of the re-enactors and their uniforms.
During the afternoon, there will be a re-enactment of the Battle of Petersburg, Va.
“These war games – they’re a very good draw,” he said. “Last year there were so many people there. It was very exciting.”