On September 8 the National Park Service sponsored a reenactment of the Union occupation of Fort Smith which occurred on September 1, 1863. I was asked by the park if I would bring and play my gourd banjo and they would provide a Union uniform. Of course I would! The event lasted until about 3:00 when it was cut short by a very heavy
downpour. It sure was fun though. There were demonstrations of the camp laundry with soap making, cooking demonstrations with dutch ovens and a very nicely displayed look at what the soldiers might carry and eat. Also there were infantry and canoneers. Some other musicians played in the afternoon. They were The Crumbs Hawk and Buzzard Band and they were truly great....played a lot of old time music. It was nice to meet a fellow banjo player and this guy looked just like John McCuen of teh Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.People were really interested in the gourd banjo, asked a lot of good questions and liked the mellow sound. Two little girls just loved it and every time I played they danced!!!
Here are a few pics....
