ELIZABETHTOWN — The members of Harmony Hall Plantation Village met Tuesday evening to continue planning for the upcoming, fourth annual Battle of Elizabethtown.
Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Maynard attended and spoke to those gathered.
“We are excited to team up and be a part of this again this year. Last year, I had such a great time,” said Maynard.
She told the group the Chamber organized the vendors for last year’s event and they were located at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market.
“This year, we would like to use part of the parking lot (at Tory Hole Park),” said Maynard.
She added that the rows in the middle of the parking area would be ideal for the vendors to set up their wares.
In other business, it was decided to use the same signs as last year and have them updated with current information for this year’s event.
Bobby Lewis, field marshal at Harmony Hall, talked about having a duel, tomahawk throwing, a kids battle, and tolling of the bell for the Patriots. The group voted to approve the suggestions. The use of cannons in the battle was approved at last month’s meeting.
Lewis also said that they will need to order the gunpowder for the event. He said the Sons of Liberty group have offered their honor guard for the event.
Matthew Woods of Moore’s Creek National Battlefield informed the group of what areas Moore’s Creek could assist during the eventy. He told the group that Moore’s Creek Battlefield has a list of re-enactors they would be willing to share for offering safety training on the use of muskets and cannon. He said the park also has access to a bagpiper if needed for the event. Woods said there is also the potential for assistance with grant writing.
“We can assist with rolling cartridges (ammunition for muskets) if needed,” said Woods.
He also said if folks need costumes for the re-enactment, the park also can assist.
“We have a closet of clothing we can loan out,” said Woods.
Woods added that the idea is to share the resources available. Woods also told those gathered that he attended the last meeting of the Harmony Hall Plantation Village and was impressed with the things he saw.
“I saw creative ways of fundraising,” said Woods.
He said that prior to joining the staff at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield, he was a history teacher and that there is great potential with Harmony Hall Plantation Village.
—Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.