On May 2-3
the grounds of Graeme Park will be transformed into a World War II arena as reenactors
set up living history displays and camps representing the WWII European Theater
and stage battles between American and German troops on the property.
The large event tent will be transformed into a venue for U.S.O. style entertainment including The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show,
the West Chester SwingKings performing favorites from the 1940s,
swing dance lessons, and a concert of Patriotic music.
The large event tent will be transformed into a venue for U.S.O. style entertainment including The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show,
(See a short clip of the classic "Who's on First" from Fun-n-Sun, Lakeland, FL, March 2012)
the West Chester SwingKings performing favorites from the 1940s,
(See a clip of their performance of Jump, Jive and Wail at Twin Brook Winery)
swing dance lessons, and a concert of Patriotic music.
Additionally
there will be weapons demonstrations, period vehicles (military and
non-military) on display,
a simulation air craft brought in by the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum,
Allied and German camps, represented by the following reenactment groups:
vendors, including:
veterans’ non-profits, World War II veterans, and a
luminary ceremony and gun salute to honor the vets. State Representatives Tom Murt and Todd Stephens will be speaking at these honor ceremonies, along with Horsham Township Manager Bill Walker and Horsham Township Council Members Mark McCouch, President, Deborah Tustin, Vice President, and Gregory Nesbitt, Member.
a simulation air craft brought in by the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum,
Allied and German camps, represented by the following reenactment groups:
Allied Units
5th Rangers
103rd Infantry Division
78th Infantry Division 309th Regiment
4th Infantry Division
88th Infantry Division
British Paratroopers
4th Armored Division
28th Infantry Division 109th Company L
30th Infantry Division MPs
1st Marine Division 5th Marines
German Units
45th Infanterie Division
352nd Pioneers
352nd Pioneers
5th Fallschirmjagers
vendors, including:
Carl Koslo Productions
Charms
Classic Designs, Inc.
GI Kenny
The Knife Guy
Picacho Peak Collectibles
Susquehanna Trading Company
This
program is being presented by the Friends of Graeme Park, with the cooperation
of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Sponsors for the event
include PECOEnergy, Verizon, Black Horse Auto Body Shop, Babylon Business Campus, and ClassicPistol.
The cost is $12/day; $5/kids
13-17; free/veterans and kids 12 and under. A special household rate of $30/day
is also available for two adults and accompanying children. Call 215-343-0965
for details. Directions are available on our website at www.graemepark.org
SATURDAY, MAY 2
9:30 a.m. – Gates Open
Periodically throughout day – Tours of the Historic Keith House
9:30 - 4:00—Vendors & Displays—Visitors can tour Allied and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, meet and talk to WWII veterans, shop with vendors and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations and the services they offer.
10:00 a.m. – Flag Raising & Singing of the National Anthem—Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by Mimi Drummond
10:15 a.m. – Weapons Demonstration—Members of the American and German reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks.
11:00 a.m. – Camp Tours—Guided golf cart tours through the camps for those with difficulty walking the property.
12:00 noon – Battle Reenactment—Join us in the field behind the tent for a battle reenactment between American and German troops. Limited bleacher seating is first-come-first-served with some seats reserved for WWII Vets and handicapped/elderly.
12:45 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show—Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler transform themselves into Bud Abbott and Lou Costello through vintage dress and an authentic recreation of the team’s mannerisms and vocal stylings. They perform many of the vaudeville and burlesque routines made famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the classic baseball routine, “Who’s On First?”.
1:30 p.m. – Swing Dance Lessons—Vince Masciarelli, a professional dance instructor from Glenside, PA, will be teaching some basic dance moves to the audience.
2:15 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show
2:45 p.m. – Honoring of Veterans—State Representatives Tom Murt will speak briefly and honor the veterans and those for whom luminaries have been purchased by reading their names. Following the dedication and lighting of the luminaries, a gun salute will honor our veterans.
3:15 p.m. – Battle Reenactment
3:45 p.m. – USO Dance and Swing Concert featuring the West Chester Swing Kings—Now that you know how to swing, put your feet in motion to the West Chester Swing Kings as they play hits from the 1940s through today, including favorites from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
9:30 a.m. – Gates Open
Periodically throughout day – Tours of the Historic Keith House
9:30 - 4:00—Vendors & Displays—Visitors can tour Allied and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, meet and talk to WWII veterans, shop with vendors and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations and the services they offer.
9:30 a.m. – Church Service Reenactment—Reenactors will participate in a period battlefield church service.
10:00 a.m. – Flag Raising & Singing of the National Anthem—Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by Mickey Goldhaber.
10:15 a.m. – Weapons Demonstration—Members of the American and German reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks.
11:00 a.m. – Camp Tours—Guided golf cart tours through the camps for those with difficulty walking the property.
11:00 a.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show—Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler transform themselves into Bud Abbott and Lou Costello through vintage dress and an authentic recreation of the team’s mannerisms and vocal stylings. They perform many of the vaudeville and burlesque routines made famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the classic baseball routine, “Who’s On First?”.
11:30 a.m. – Live Patriotic Music—A spirited concert of patriotic and military favorites by Mickey and Stanley Goldhaber.
12:30 p.m. – Swing Dance Lessons—Vince Masciarelli, a professional dance instructor from Glenside, PA, will be teaching some basic dance moves to the audience.
1:30 p.m. – Military Honor Guard—State Representative Todd Stephens, Horsham Township Manager Bill Walker and Horsham Township Council Members Mark McCouch, President, Deborah Tustin, Vice President, and Gregory Nesbitt, Member will speak briefly, followed by a Military Honor Guard ceremony.
2:00 p.m. – Battle Reenactment—Join us in the field behind the tent for a battle reenactment between American and German troops. Limited bleacher seating is first-come-first-served with some seats reserved for WWII Vets and handicapped/elderly.
2:45 p.m. – The Ultimate Abbott and Costello Tribute Show
