Colonial War encampment this weekend at Silvershell Beach

Aug 10, 2018

Ever wonder what camp life was like for Colonial era soldiers and their families? Find out this weekend when the Fairhaven Village Militia holds a historically accurate encampment at Silvershell Beach.

An opening ceremony will kick off the encampment at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, and continues that day until 5 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 12, the encampment is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The encampment is free and open to the public.

If you go, you will likely see some familiar faces among the re-encters. Marion Police Chief John Garcia, Marion Recreation Dept. Director Jody Dickerson, and town treasurer/collector administrative assistant Michele Bissonnette are each particpating in the encampment.

"We do it to teach the public what life was like in the 1700s," Bissonnette, who along with Dickerson are cooks for the Fairhaven Village Militia, said. "This year we have the Plymouth Guard coming and they're portraying the 1620s."

There will also be demonstrations by the Wareham Minutemen & Militia and the Yarmouth Minutemen & Militia, and the 13th Continental Regiment. Demonstrations happen at the "Dancing Cat Tavern." Military Drills take place in the parade grounds area throughout the day.

During the encampment , the public is encouraged everyone to talk to the reenactors. They love to share their craft and their knowledge with others.

The encampment was sponsored by the Marion Cultural Council, Fairhaven Village Militia, and Marion Recreation Dept.

Below is schedule of events during the encampment:

*Saturday, Aug 11

10 a.m. - Opening ceremony. Site opens to public

11a.m. - Butter Churning Demo (Fairhaven Village Militia)

12 p.m.: Nooning

1 p.m.; Rip Shirt Demo (13th Continental Regiment)

2 p.m. - Candle making (Wareham Minutemen & Militia)

5 p.m. - Site closes to the public.

* Sunday, Aug 12

10 a.m. - Site opens to public.

11 a.m. - Learn Colonial games (Yarmouth Minutemen & Militia)

12 p.m. Nooning

1 p.m. - Race to win. Take what you learned at Colonial games demonstration and compete to win a t-shirt.

3 p.m. - Encampment ends.