If you’re looking to shake off the last of Old Man Winter’s bitter cold and find the first signs of spring, a trip to Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane, VA might be just the thing. As the flora and fauna of the park awaken to the warming breezes, the sounds of Spring fill the air. If you’re in the park on March 19 and 20, don’t be alarmed if you hear some unusual sounds of the season; sounds like: “HAYFOOT… STRAWFOOT,” “BY FILES LEFT, MARCH,” or “READY, AIM, FIRE!”
These are the sounds of a Civil War Encampment and on the third weekend in March, Sky Meadows will be hosting the Hedgesville Blues, a Confederate Company, for an interpretive weekend that will bring the sights, sounds, and smells of the Civil War era to life. Just like Mother Nature, Civil War armies would awaken from their winter camps to begin the necessary training for the upcoming Spring and Summer campaigns. The troops would sharpen their soldiering skills with weapons and signal flag drills, review of tactical strategies, and hold recruitment drives; all of this in preparation for the defense of hearth and home. At our Encampment, visitors will see all of this and more!
The Hedgesville Blues
This is the first in a series of programs scheduled at the park this year commemorating the events webpage. We hope to see you at Sky Meadows soon!