Encampment 2009 – this weekend…

Three cheers for the Pig War, settled without a shot fired...

There are a few things around San Juan Island you should never miss, and one of them is this weekend. The twelfth annual Encampment is set to begin Friday, and this year’s event includes the visit of a special lady. Here’s more from the Park Service’s writeup (and click here for pictures from the last few years):

Re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada will once again celebrate peace as they gather for the 12th Annual Encampment and Pig War Sesquicentennial scheduled July 25-26 on the English Camp parade ground.

The Lady Washington comes visiting this year...

The event is free except where noted. Disabled persons should call the park at (360) 378-2902 or (360) 378-2240 for special access information.

The highlight of this year’s event will be the visit of the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain from the Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport. The ships are scheduled to arrive at noon on the 25th and will welcome visitors throughout the day. Other activities include recreations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of music, blacksmithing, horsemanship, spinning and weaving, sewing and cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue.

Battery D fires their cannon...

Black powder rifled musket demonstrations and the firing of Battery D’s mountain howitzer also are planned both days.* The activities on the 25th will culminate in the Candlelight Ball, scheduled at 8 p.m., in the English Camp barracks.

The public is invited to join in the dancing and refreshments that will include the traditional cake and punch.

Music for contra dancing will be provided by the folk group Sugar on the Floor.

Just like it was, in 1859...

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