Town of
Last year's event had about twice the number of historic re-enactors and
exhibits compared to the previous year and about twice the number of people
attending the event compared to 2008, according to Kumitsch.
"They say it takes about three years to really get an event like this
going," Kumitsch said.
She anticipates there might be 60 to 80 historic re-enactors and exhibits.
Plans also call for an increase in the number of demonstrations as well as
raffle and door prizes.
The historic timeline event features historic re-enactors whose costumes,
exhibits and encampments each represent a different period of time in the
evolution of humankind and American history.
The event is intended to provide a weekend of historic education and
entertainment as well as display the features of the 125-acre
The park entrance is at Lake Five and Oakwood roads in the west-central
quadrant of the town, east of the
The park's northern boundaries include the
The western quarter of the park is devoted to playground, picnic, athletic and
park shelter activities. The central quarter of the park is a large prairie
grass nature hiking trail. The eastern quarter of the park is a dense woods with walking trails that wind through the woods and
near The Bug Line and
The northern quarter of the park is where the Heritage event takes place.
The park's amenities, including nearby parking, permanent as well as
portable restroom facilities, and ample camping and exhibit space, make the
event attractive to the historic re-enactors, according to Kumitsch.
"The word has gotten out that we have excellent facilities, and we
take good care of the re-enactors who come to our event," she said.
The re-enactors are provided rations, ice and firewood for their overnight
campsites, she explained.
New re-enactors this year will include a broom maker, blacksmith,
beekeeper, Native American hoop dancer, as well as Friends of Old Timers, a
group of re-enactors depicting the old west in American history and a gypsy
wagon encampment.
Other new attractions this year include a Civil War camp, Elizabethan
nobleman and his entourage and historic timekeepers from the colonial era.
There will also be an 1860 Navy cannon and a World War II Army Air Corps
headquarters encampment.
Kumitsch said one of the reasons for the increased number of re-enactors is
because she has been able to focus more time on recruiting for the event. In
the two previous years, she has also had to focus on marketing and promoting
the event.
This year, Marci Gehrke, wife of Town Chairman Matt Gehrke, has made a
significant contribution because she has taken over much of the marketing and
promotion duties.
A larger cadre of donors and contributions has also increased the value and
number of door and raffle prizes, Kumitsch said.
This year's raffle prizes include chainsaw wood sculptures by park employee
Paul Pichler, handmade log cabin bird feeders created
by Kumitsch's husband, Dieter, Merton Deluxe Bird
Feed from the Merton Feed Co. and a custard cake from The Merton Custard
Shoppe.
Pick 'n Save and Piggy Wiggly of Sussex along with Panera Bread will
contribute food and other supplies for the re-enactors' encampments. Lannon
Stone Products, Payne and Dolan, Jay's Liquor in