Re-enactors, visitors brave heat at Waynesborough's Summerfest
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on July 10, 2005 2:00 AM
If you think Saturday was hot enough, here are two words for you -- wool underpants.
The Civil War re-enactors at Summerfest were keeping it real, which for some meant wearing era-appropriate clothing, even where the public couldn't see.
"We get used to it," said Bobby Mozingo, of Seven Springs. "We only do it for a day or two, but our ancestors did it for years."
About two dozen re-enactors skirmished for control of Waynesborough Historical Village Saturday afternoon, and at other times, camped out, fired a cannon and cooked.
People came out throughout the day to see the camp; to play old-time games, like checkers and horseshoes; to look at quilts; and to watch square and line dancers.
Summerfest continues today. A church service will begin at 11 a.m. A rabbit rodeo will be from noon to 3 p.m., and square-dancing will be at 2 p.m. The re-enactors will fight it out over the village again, beginning at 3 p.m.
The re-enactors included members of the Andrews Battery of Goldsboro, the Naval Squad of Plymouth and the Provost Squad from Rocky Mount.
"We've had pretty good spectators," said Joel White, of Goldsboro, as the afternoon wore down, a campfire crackling nearby.
The battle went well, the re-enactors said. Participants divided up into Confederate and Union units fairly evenly since many people came prepared to fight on either side.
"I'd just as soon be a Yankee," Mozingo said. "Don't get me wrong, my heart is totally with the South, but for the sake of history, I don't mind portraying a Union soldier."
Nearby, Charles "Andy" Anderson was forging iron hooks, napkin holders and tools, using the traditional blacksmith tools. The fire made his shed feel like an oven.
"You can't get used to it; you just learn to cope," Anderson said.
Bobby Howell was tending a store in the village, selling Waynesborough Village T-shirts, mugs and memorabilia, along with old-fashioned stick candy, preserves and iron items.
"We've had a good time today," he said. "Turnout has been pretty good, although not as good as some events that we've had."
Howell enjoyed watching the rabbit rodeo, which basically involves turning a bunch of rabbits loose in a pen and seeing if children can pick them up. Anyone who could catch one could buy it for $10.
"They're all pets. They aren't too hard to catch," Howell said with a laugh. "We sold quite a few rabbits."
Mary Grady brought her granddaughter, visiting from Hickory, and a friend.
"I'm pleased to see Summerfest growing like it is," she said. "It's such a pretty place to spend an afternoon."
"It's hot," complained Victoria Atkins, her grandchild.
"Well, that's Wayne County in the summertime," Mrs. Grady said.