Prince William County, Va. –– The two sides of the American Civil War came to fight outside Manassas on Saturday, just as they did 150 years ago.
More than 8,000 reenactors from across the U.S. and in Canada descended on Pageland Farm in Prince William County to relive the Battle of First Manassas, or Bull Run. It was the cornerstone event of what a weekend full of Civil War remembrances and activities to commemorate the war’s sesquicentennial.
Thousands packed the viewing stands, stood along the sides of the field, and packed cooling tents during the event. With temperatures soaring into the 90s during the event and later into the 100s, keeping cool was the order of the day.
“They’re little fans and they can sprits water on your face. We bought the last ones they had on the shelves at Bed Bath and Beyond,” said Collen Amico, holding a battery-powered handheld fan to her face. A popular item, she was one of three in her group that used one.
The heat, however, was too much for some to take as 143 patients were evaluated by EMS staff and 11 hospitalized.
“We planned for this incident and maintained sufficient staff and resources to manage the patient volume. We had resources from Prince William, Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax, Stafford and Montgomery County, Md.,” said Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Joseph Robertson.
Dressed in wool uniforms just as soldiers did in 1861, true to history, the battle raged on until the Union Army retreated leaving the Confederates bruised and battered, unable to chase them back to Washington.
“My dad has been doing Civil War reenactments for the past 16 years, as a confederate, and this is really one of the largest events we’ve ever seen,” said Peter Amico, of Stafford.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
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