Fort Pulaski will commemorate the 149th anniversary of the Grand Thanksgiving Fete and Festival of 1862 on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. The event will recreate the field day offered by the 48th New York Infantry to celebrate their first Thanksgiving in Fort Pulaski.
The original event, held in 1862, gave the Union garrison of Fort Pulaski a respite from the constant vigilance which they maintained throughout their year-long residence on Cockspur Island. Of the day's events, one soldier commented, "The day was a memorable one, contrasting as it did so severely with the events which placed us there and continued to disturb the country."
Everyone is encouraged to participate in foot races, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. Amusements of the day will also include guided tours of the fort and historic weapons demonstrations.
The event will also be an opportunity to try on clothing of the Civil War era. All are encouraged to participate in the "burlesque dress parade". There will be men's and women's clothing and accessories for the proper period look.
Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011
10:00 Guided Fort Tour
11:00 Foot Race (public competition)
11:15 Sack Race (public competition)
11:45 Wheelbarrow Race (public competition)
12:30 Musket Firing Demonstration
1:00 Guided Fort Tour
2:00 Foot Race (public competition)
2:15 Sack Race (public competition)
2:45 Wheelbarrow Race (public competition)
3:30 Musket Firing Demonstration
11:00 - 3:00 Burlesque Dress Parade Dress in the fort's Civil War garb.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
