NOTE: Don't believe what we said before about spectator respect?

One clear-cut exampleon what was, from a spectator's perspective, at least, essentially a 1st class event, that the organizers can be extremely proud of--the Gettysburg 135th.

Thousands of spectators paid an extra $5 each day to sit in bleachers and then were bombarded for hours by gas powered generators positioned directly off the back edge of the bleachers. This was especially irritating on Friday and Saturday.

Periodically there were commentators on a P.A. system, but many gave up trying to make out what they were saying. Some said generators would be turned off during battles--but, if so, they weren't off long enough. The proof is on lots of videotapes. A roar added, among other things, to the attacks on and charge down Little Round Top.

Ironically, as is often the case, things got turned upside down. Those generators that were turned off, were silent when the noise of the battle was loudest and would have masked most of the generator noise for all but those spectators directly beside them.

But as each battle moved away, generators that were off were turned on again, as if the event was over. So they became most obtrusive as the noise of the battle moved off.

Of course vendor tents could have been placed closer to the road, with generators aimed outward toward it. But they weren't. Sure, there were reasons, but they didn't much include spectator comfort.

And, as the main thrust of each battle moved off, I can't imagine re-enactors could have avoided hearing that drone bouncing off the farm buildings and hillsides even when they were at a good distance from the vendor area.

Gas powered generators are like helicopters that hover without mercy.

THE LETTER OF THE LAW, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SPIRIT? Practically speaking, there's often less handicapped parking than there appears to be. Look again at that symbol. Too often, getting to--or getting assistance to--the viewing area is next to impossible. Field events aren't required to have perfect access. But it shouldn't be reduced to survival of the fittest. Why are these battles still being fought ???

Next | Back

Main || Our Side || Your Turn || Event Links