Hundreds of people are set to gather in Adams County this weekend as the 'Battle of Gettysburg' reenactment has officially been given the green light to take place this weekend.
Organizers told FOX43 they are implementing plans to adhere to health and safety guidelines set by the state.
Read the full COVID-19 restrictions for the event here.
"Everybody's concerned about the COVID program. And, we're trying to be a poster boy for that particular program," said Kirk Davis of The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association (GBPA).
Davis showed FOX43 around the property at the Daniel Lady Farm, where the GBPA has obtained a permit to host the 'American History Event' on August 22 & 23, 2020. The event will feature battles, house tours, and Living History demonstrations.
Davis said the number of reenactors registered for the event is up to 650. But, after the news that the GBPA obtained the permit Monday night, the organization received more interest. Therefore, Davis believes the total number of reenactors will reach above 700 or more.
With that large number of reenactors in addition to spectators, changes will be made to promote social distancing including during the reenactment battles.
"They'll be more of skirmishes than in line battles that we've seen in recent years," said Davis, who added after the first shot is fired reenactors tend to break up anyway.
When asked by FOX43 if reenactors would be wearing masks during the reenactment, Davis said "some men will be wearing masks, some will not. They'll be absolutely at least six feet apart."
Read more about events at Daniel Lady Farm here.
Davis said the 'Living History' area of the event will also be divided into five smaller areas instead of being placed inside one large area. He said that will ensure that there is no more than 100-150 people in one section.
The settler area and vendor area, he said, has also been divided into two areas in order to control the amount of people at the event. Organizers have also set up a monitoring system to organize crowds and they plan to add signs.
"If you go into the buildings, in the museums, you'll have to wear a mask," Davis added. Tours will also be limited to 15 people instead of 25.
"Dr. Levine has a program for outdoor events and we are going to follow those," said Davis.
The 'Battle of Gettysburg' reenactment was already delayed once in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers admit many people were not sure if it would still go on this year or if it would be canceled at the last minute.
Davis said he believes the fact that the event is able to take place is just driving the excitement and interest. He said, the GBPA is also pleased it is able to hold the event as ticket sales will help the organization fund youth programs.
"Because of the pandemic and the fact that these folks have not been out at all to honor any of the different battles that happened during the Civil War, I think the spectators and the reenactors are excited to come out here and enjoy this sunshine," said Davis.
The Daniel Lady farm is steeped in history as it was used extensively during the Battle of Gettysburg by Confederate Command for the attack on Culp’s Hill and as a Confederate Hospital.
The GBPA is already planning other events on the property which include:
- Fall Skirmish, Battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg remains scheduled for September 12-13 on the Daniel Lady Farm.
- The Annual Civil War Artifact Show, the nation’s premier Civil War relic and collectors show, normally held at the end of June, has been rescheduled for September 26 - 27 at the Eisenhower All Star Complex. Brendan Synnamon, GBPA Vice President of Administration and the event’s coordinator, is working closely with the Eisenhower Complex to ensure the event follows PA Guidelines for COVID 19 control.