Spectator Information
Spectators Guide to NCWC Battle Events
Whether you’ve been to some of our events before or planning on attending your first one, here are some things you will want to keep in mind:
Dress comfortably for the weather and plan to stay the day.
Please leave your pets home! Many dogs, even easy-going ones, are disturbed by the noise and the action.
Turn off your car alarm! The concussion of the cannons will set the alarms off and having to listen to dozens of alarms destroys the battle impression.
Walk through the camp areas: most re-enactors love to discuss history- sometimes in 1st person- so you will feel like you are really there! Skits and impressions will be going on all day and you just won't see them at the battles. Period cooking, daily soldier activities, civilian businesses, and many other activities are happening all day. Don't forget the hospitals and civilian areas.
Have on hand an umbrella in case it rains, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars to view distant battlefield action, bottled water, allergy medicine and perhaps an old blanket to save your space at the battle viewing area.
You might want to bring a folding chair to make your battle viewing more comfortable. Bleachers are provided but they are many times filled up and hard to get onto or out of.
Bring your camera with lots of film! If you will be videoing make sure you have an extra battery and tape.
If you find yourself sitting near a cannon, open your mouth a little when it fires. This will help equalize the pressure between your inner and outer ear from the concussion.
There are also some important safety tips and courtesies to follow:
Watch your step around the fire pits and cooking stoves.
Children must be under adult supervision at all times.
Do not open or enter a closed tent.
Do not handle small display articles without permission.
Do not sit, play or pose on the cannons.
Do not enter the battlefield until battles and demonstrations are completed.
Do not approach or feed the cavalry horses on the picket line without permission.