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| NEWS RELEASE |
Contact:
Laura Lee, public relations and media manager, Pensacola Bay Area CVB,
(850) 434-1234; (800) 874-1234 llee@visitpensacola.com
Ashley Chisholm, public relations manager, EW Bullock Associates,
(850) 438-4015, ashley@ewbullock.com |
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Pensacola History Comes Alive with "Battle of Pensacola" Reenactment
Commemorating the 1781 Revolutionary War battle that resulted in Britain surrendering Florida
Pensacola, Fla. – March 31, 2009–Commemorate the 1781 Revolutionary War battle that resulted in the British surrender of Florida, a significant turning point in American history, with the "Battle of Pensacola" reenactment events Friday and Saturday, May 8–9 in downtown Pensacola. Organized by the Pensacola Chapter of the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), a series of events including children’s day at Fort George, a "Torches in the Night" historic walking tour, the Battle of Pensacola reenactment and a Victory Luncheon at the Wright Place, have been planned for the public to enjoy.
The full schedule of the Battle of Pensacola reenactment events includes:
Friday, May 8
| 9 a.m - noon |
Children’s Day at Fort George. Kids are invited to learn what life was like in the 18th century by learning such skills as brick making, cooking, tomahawk throwing, musketball and cartridge making and even a military drill. Free but reservations are required; call (850) 436-6666. |
| 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. |
Torches in the Night. Hear the stories of the battle participants’ triumphs
and tragedies during a torch-lit walking tour, beginning at the Perry Home, 2 E. Wright St., and stopping at 12 locations in Downtown Pensacola.
Pre-sale tickets are $6 or $8 at the door. Free for children 15 and under whenaccompanied by an adult. For tickets, call (850) 450-9071. |
Saturday, May 9
| 8:15 a.m - 9 a.m. |
Children’s Activities at Fort George. Children get hands-on training in brick making, cooking, tomahawk throwing, musketball and cartridge making and a military drill.
Free and open to the public. |
| 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
Period Music by Local Re-enactors and Opening Ceremonies at Fort George.
Free and open to the public. |
| 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. |
Pass and Review of Participating Troops. Authentically dressed re-enactors will parade down Palafox Street prior to the battle, which was known for its diversity in uniforms and participating nationalities.
Free and open to the public. |
| 9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. |
Battle Reenactments. Skits include a Native American ambush, the battle in which Field Marshall Galvez was wounded, the British surprise attack, a soldier desertion, Spanish justice, the final assaults and the formal surrender ceremony.
Free and open to the public. |
| 11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Period Gifts for Sale. Take home a piece of history with commemorative gifts including war medals and a book about the battle, "The Longest Siege of the American Revolution: Pensacola,"by local historian Wesley Odom. |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
Victory Luncheon at Wright Place. Enjoy a delicious 5-course meal with 18th- century recipes adjusted for 21st-century palates including Franco-Spanish pork stew, gaspache (Spanish cucumber salad) and Thomas Jefferson’s own bread recipe. Each course includes a visit by a different re-enactor who will provide further insight into the battle and its participants.
For reservations, call (850) 450-9071.
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Orchestrated by Field Marshall and Louisiana Governor Bernardo de Galvez, the nine-week "Battle of Pensacola" was a turning point in the Revolutionary War and strengthened the American cause against Great Britain. When the British lost to the Spanish and French regimens at Fort George, they lost Pensacola as a valuable port where it could have protected its interests along the Gulf Coast.
Galvez was opposed by Major General John Campbell, who led a much smaller force of British, Germans, Loyalists, Negroes and Native Americans. The largest battle ever fought in Florida, the final episode resulted in the British surrender of parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The Battle of Pensacola reenactment events are part of 450th anniversary celebration of the founding of Pensacola. Also taking place Saturday will be the Heritage Festival. Palafox Street will be transformed as multi-cultural groups representing Pensacola’s diverse culture and heritage will set up exhibits for a day of history, food, fun and sharing walking distance from the Battle of Pensacola events. Other events planned throughout the year for Pensacola’s 450th anniversary include the Miguel Zapata art exhibit, a visit from the tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, a landing celebration, parades, concerts and more.
For more information or to purchase tickets to Battle of Pensacola special events, contact Wesley Odom, Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution Pensacola Chapter, at (850) 436-6666 or wlodom@cox.net. Find more facts and information about the 450th anniversary at www.CelebratePensacola.com.
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