I attended the Ike Farm WWII Weekend on September 18. This was the first time in several years that I had gone and pleasantly, it seemed that it had grown since the last time I was there, although, it may just be that I can’t remember that much about the last time. There were two Red Army groups in attendance – the 193rd and an early war group headed up by Mike Thompson. For those that are unfamiliar with the event, it is held on the Eisenhower Farm, which is administered by the National Park Service in the Gettysburg area, and is adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield Park.
Like most WWII living histories, this event features displays from a variety of Allied and Axis reenactor units. It offers the additional advantage to be on the grounds of a historic site and participating reenactors can tour the Eisenhower home at no cost. Additionally, if one wishes to tour the Civil War battlefield, this is easily accessible as well.
I was only at the farm for Saturday, as I had committed to attend the Russian Mosaic Festival in Philadelphia the next day. Still, I had a very nice time and got to see some old friends and renew contacts while I was there.
This is a pleasant, laid-back and reenactor-friendly event which is generally well-attended by reenactors and the public alike. It is likely that I will go back next year.
(P.S. One of the most fascinating aspects of this event was meeting German Veteran Wilhelm Leibig. Herr Leibig was a crewman on a Tiger I in the Grossdeutschland Division on the Eastern Front. As an 18-year old, his first action was Kursk! Amazingly, he survived the war without even a wound and surrendered to the Americans at the very end of the war. He had pictures of himself in his panzer uniform and also a picture of many of the men in his unit sitting posed between two Tiger I’s. He was accompanied by his wife and they were both very outgoing and friendly and hardly looked their age. They expressed a great deal of interest in our Red Army display. The Leibig currently reside in North Carolina.)
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