It seems like the new year just started, but we're already nearing the end of it's second month. The beginning of the season seems far away, but battalion drill is just a few weeks away, and before we know it, we'll be at Neshaminy again. We have a few new faces in the company this year: a welcome sight!
Since reenacting season is approaching quickly, it's probably time to break out all our gear and make sure everything's in working order. Here are a few tips to save you from scrambling at the event to find makeshift remedies to problems easily solved at home.
1. Simply go through your stuff and make sure everything's organized and together. There's nothing like realizing you can't find your shoes the day before the event, then turning the house upside down and inside out only to realize you left them in the trunk of your car at the end of the season.
2. Try on your clothes. Make sure everything still fits, and there are no..erm...embarrassing holes that need to be patched....again..
3. Make sure any accessories or weapons are still in working order. Damaged baskets, dirty muskets, and torn haversacks can be fixed/replaced a lot easier BEFORE you get to the event.
4. Make sure you fill up on supplies. Personal effects like soap can be kept in your haversack. Go through your haversacks, baskets, and bags. Make sure the containers are full. For our soldiers, make sure you have sufficient rounds rolled and stored for a few events. If you have enough for more than one, you can make it through the next event even if you don't have time later.
5. Check your tents/shelters. Make sure tents aren't torn, your poles are in good shape, and you have enough stakes/pegs.
Everybody's life gets hectic, and we often forget about preparing properly for events. This leads to a lot of stress right before and even during the event. Making sure you're prepared will help ensure you have an enjoyable event, making you a happier reenactor and enabling you to have more time to spend having fun with your friends. Next time you're not sure what to do with yourself, check out some of your gear. You can even check the integrity of some of your gear, or perhaps sew on buttons or patches, while watching television.
Remember, while life can be busy, reenacting is a hobby and should be enjoyed. By following some of these steps you'll ensure it will be!
