On May 5 and 6 the grounds of Graeme Park and the adjacent Penrose-Strawbridge House will play host to a World War II encampment and battle reenactment. Reenactors representing American and German troops will set up camps, including restored period trucks, tanks, and other vehicles, and will be in authentic uniforms throughout the weekend.
On Saturday a battle reenactment will be staged using the stone outbuildings around the Penrose-Strawbridge House to represent a French village.
As of this writing, we have reenactors from the 110th medical battalion, who will have a medical tent set up, the 3rd and 9th infantries, the 4th armored division, the 9th S.S. and the 142nd Gebirgs signed up. When the battle isn't taking place, visitors will be able to tour the camps, see the vehicles on display, take a tour of the historic Keith House, shop the sutler's booths, or grab some lunch. After the battle there will be musical entertainment from the Fubar Boys and a big band concert (band to be determined) in the tent at Graeme Park. A brief military drill will cap off the day on Saturday. Sunday will be a bit less intense in terms of the fighting, but visitors can tour the camps, view the vehicles, tour the Keith House, hear a speaker or two and shop with the vendors.
The Schedule:
May 5 - 10:00 am—4:00 pm
Ongoing—Vendors, House Tours, Tour Camps10—Troop Inspections
11:40—Welcome from Senator Stewart Greenleaf
11:50—Welcome from Representative Todd Stephens
12-1—Battle Reenactment
1:30—2—Fubar Boys (USO-Style Music)
2—3—Society Music Makers (Big Band Concert)
3:30—4—Military Demo
May 6 - 10:00—2:00 pm
Ongoing—Vendors, House Tours, Tour Camps
12—Speakers/War Stories
If it rains on Saturday, all activities will be held on Sunday. Admission cost is $10 for Saturday and $6 for Sunday. There is no charge for WWII vets. Please note the activities and camps are spread out around the property and will require some walking to see it all. Grounds are relatively flat, with a slight incline to access the battle viewing area. The terrain is mostly grass, with a gravel drive to the battle area and three flights of stairs to tour the Keith House.
Vendors and reenacting units who are interested in participating can contact Graeme Park at ra-graemepark@state.pa.us and we'll send you the information to sign up.
The reenactors collect it/bring it with them when the do an encampment. It is cool.
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