2011 CHRISTMAS PARTY IN HERMANN , MISSOURI by Jan Donelson

The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles is pleased to present an invitation to the local community to join us for a Christmas Celebration in Hermann , Missouri on December 3rd at the Festhalle. 

This year we are once again opening our Christmas Celebration to those interested in sharing that experience with our members.  We will be joined for the evening by re-enacting groups from all over the area, special friends of the Corps, perhaps a few VIPs, along with the general public. We want to emphasize that everyone, members and non-members, are invited to attend. We would love spending more time with many of you whom we met along the trail.

Events listed below will commence around noon and conclude the evening with a gala banquet & military ball.  Tickets for $35/person are now available by calling 314-275-8155 for the Dinner & Dance.  You may also join us for just the dance with tickets at the door for $5.  Don’t delay seating is limited. 

Dance the night away with us to the toe-stepping tunes of the Booneslick Strings.  It is our hope that many of our friends throughout the re-enacting community will take part as an active participant in the day long events.  Those with a passion for our heritage and all re-enactors pre-dating 1865 are welcome to join us as a group or as individuals for a Christmas Celebration Past. 

Re-enactors through their timeless passion are all educators & entertainers in today’s media-driven culture and we encourage all to celebrate the season with us this day, for fun, food, & frivolity. 

Featured from 12:00-4:30 will be primitive life skills and demonstrations, many of which Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery needed to complete their adventure up the Missouri River to the Pacific and back 200 years ago.  Hear tales of the real and recreated journey 2 ½ years in the making along the trail. 

Demonstrations will consist of live fire flintlocks, medicine & medical procedures of the 1800’s, primitive fire starting, display and discussion of primitive firelocks, period clothing of Lewis & Clark, primitive food and military encampment. 

Additional primitive craft demonstrated, will be featured for the first time in this event.

Pottery (www.plankroadpottery.com), Woodcarving (www.vldwoodcarver.com ), Flint-knapping (www.flintspirit.com/Home_Page.html ) & more.  The ladies will also enjoy a display of clothing fashions of the day typically worn prior to 1865. 

A silent auction will feature many items and memorabilia of our travels. 

Meet actual descendents of the Corps of Discovery, Captain Clark, Pvt. John Thompson, Pvt. George Shannon who took part in re-enacting their ancestor’s journey and hear their interpretation of the epic adventure. 

Enjoy a twilight lantern parade led by fife & drum through historic downtown Hermann, with a special retiring of colors to close the day’s activities.

Come and enjoy the opening of the Season in an unforgettable style.  Your best holiday pre-1865 period dress is encouraged but not required.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 Make reservations now for the gala dinner and dance with by sending your check made payable to DESC designated “Christmas Celebration”. Address: Norman Bowers, 13635 Amiot Drive , St. Louis , MO 63146 .  Reservations must be received not later than Nov. 25,2010

There are many other activities that will be taking place in Hermann that weekend.  It is a wonderful historic town to visit. For more information, go to http://www.hermannmo.com/.

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Thurs. Camp Setup: Need Volunteers

Friday:  Need Volunteers   (Please tell Norm when you will be arriving)

9:45  Colors

10:00-2:00+  Students

6:30-Whenever:  Hospitality by Hermann Chamber of Commerce……Remember to thank those from Hermann you meet.

 Schedule of Events Sat. Dec. 3rd

9:30…Raising of the Colors w/Great River Fife & Drum & British 1st Royals-Be on time for muster! 

10:00-11:30…DESC General Membership Meeting in the Festhalle

12:00-4:00    1804 Lewis & Clark period campsite on tour, Hofgarten location

Period Demonstrations and Exhibits of the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition

Lewis & Clark Demonstrations:  Blacksmithing, Medicine & medical procedures of their era, Weapons demonstrations of the early 1800’s, Uniforms & clothing of the L&C Expedition, Women’s clothing of the early 1800 time period, Primitive firestarting & much more.

Lewis & Clark Replica of the White Piroque which was taken on the expedition.

Primitive Crafts will also be shown & demonstrated:  Pottery, Woodcarving, Flintknapping.

“the British are coming” Other military re-enactors will exhibit Pre-Revolutionary War demonstrations of His Majesty’s forces from the British 1st Royal Regiment of Foote, complete with Artillery Battery.  See an authentic cannon demonstration from the 1700’s.

         

          Primitive Craft Demonstrations: 

  Pottery, Wood Carving, Flintknapping and much more.

2:00…………………. Silent auction till 9:00

3:00…………………. Period dance workshop w/participation

4:30…………………. Gather for parade…period participation

5:00…………………. DESC Twilight Lantern Parade

5:30…………………. Retiring the Colors at the Hofgarten Courtyard

6:30…………………. Dinner

8:00…………………. Military Ball with music by the “Booneslick Strings” and period dancing

Sunday

10:30  Morning Devotional

12:00  Retiring Colors for 2010

12:30  Hermannhof Winery special tour for DESC