Items

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  2021-04-17

  Hell-spot at Port Republic

  In February I registered for the 1st Minnesota living history event organized by the Liberty Rifles. The idea behind it was that we would create an interactive living history event in conjunction with the National Park Service for the public at the Gettysburg battlefield. At the time, I hadn't been apart of an authentic event before, nor had I been to Gettysburg, so I was really excited for the event. I spent something like $800 improving my impression and so that I could be sure I met the uniform standards and guidelines. Unfortunately, two months before the event the NPS canceled it over Covid concerns. Needless to say, everyone was pretty bummed about it, but the LR event organizers had a plan B event in mind, so a few days after the news of Gettysburg being canceled we were told about the Hell Spot at the Port Republic event, and that we were going to portray the 1st Virginia Infantry (US). Covid cancelled a lot of events in the hobby, and for most of 2020 nothing was happening, much to our dissapointment.
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  2020-07-26

  A COVID Wedding

  John Lokka's Wedding, July 26, 2020, at the Gettysburg Hotel, Gettysburg, PA. My wedding was the final wedding at the Gettysburg Hotel until at least mid-Summer 2021. Due to COVID and Pennsylvania's response, the wedding date moved three times. Originally for June 20, we changed the date to September 6 when the initial lockdown period exceeded expectations. About three weeks prior to July 26, the hotel coordinator called us to explain there were no more public events after August 2. Gettysburg College, owners of the hotel, needed additional dorm room space to meet COVID distancing restrictions. They were converting the hotel in additional dorms and distance learning. When we agreed to host our wedding, the coordinator offered many amenities originally beyond our means. They offered us the Grand Ball room, a converted bank. About a week before the wedding, PA's Government Wolf issued new COVID restrictions due to a general uptick in cases. He limited indoor gatherings (weddings) to 25 people including service personnel. To meet the requirements, Gettysburg Hotel eliminated one person, and we uninvited two. Thankfully, two people decided not show. It was great time. Every one who attended needed to be there. The joyous atmosphere gave all a chance to forget their own troubles for a few hours.