Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment is an event that takes place annually in Cook Forest State Park . This year the dates are June 8, 9 and 10 at the Sawmill Center for the Arts.
The event is a time-travel experience that relives history of the area during the 18th century, particularly the French and Indian War period. Witness firsthand how people lived during that time.
View demonstrations of metalwork, woodworking, blacksmithing, and cooking. See how fires were built without matches, and rifles were loaded without using cartridges.
The events are held at the Sawmill Center area and are as follows:
Saturday, June 8
1000am-600pm Event Open
1000am-1100am Murph’s Blacksmithing Demonstration – by Dennis Murray: story-teller, blacksmith & Clarion County’s #1 liar, across from Sawmill Craft Market
1000am-1200pm Turkey Wingbone Call Fabrication – by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking in the old Sawmill Classroom ($15 for materials)
1000am-400pm Cooking Demonstration – by Geoffrey Domowicz, Compagnie LeBoeuf chef, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
1030pm-500pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators – meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the Old Sawmill Classroom
1100am-1130am Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration – by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
1130am-1200pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along the abandoned access road at the edge of the field beside the park swimming pool.
1200pm-300pm 18th Century Surgical Techniques – by Dave Crispen, 42nd Highland Regiment surgeon’s mate, at the NEW Sawmill Classroom
100pm-200pm ‘American’s 1st World War: Causes of the French & Indian War as Told Through the Eyes of Benjamin Franklin’ by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking (free, but donations towards the event will be accepted)
200pm-300pm 18th Century Children’s Games – by Jen Domowicz, Compagnie LeBoeuf, along Black Bear Trail at the main encampment site
230-500pm – Powderhorn & Turkey Wingbone Call Fabrication – by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking in the Old Sawmill Classroom ($15 for materials)
300pm-500pm Murph’s Blacksmithing Demonstration – by Dennis Murray: story-teller, blacksmith & Clarion County’s #1 liar, across from Sawmill Craft Market
330pm-400pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration — by the camp Corps of Artillery, located in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
400pm-430pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
Sunday, June 9
900am-400pm Event Open
900am-915am 18th Century Sunday Service – by the 42nd Highland Regiment, located in the main encampment site along Black Bear Trail
930am-1100am Murph’s Blacksmithing Demonstration – by Dennis Murray: story-teller, blacksmith & Clarion County’s #1 liar, across from Sawmill Craft Market
1015am-1045am Children’s Musket Drill – by camp Corps of Re-enactors, at the water tower along Black Bear Trail.
1100am-200pm Powderhorn & Turkey Wingbone Call Fabrication – by Paul Stillman, living historian from Historically Speaking, in the old Sawmill Classroom ($15 for materials)
1100am-200pm French & Indian War Era Art & Demonstrators meet with distinguished artists, authors, artisans, and demonstrators in the old Sawmill Classroom
1100am-1130am Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration – by the camp Corps of Artillery, in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
1130am-1200pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along the abandoned access road at the edge of the field beside the park swimming pool.
1230pm-200pm 18th Century Surgical Techniques by Dave Crispen, 42nd Highland Regiment surgeon’s mate, at the NEW Sawmill Classroom
1230pm-200pm Murph’s Blacksmithing Demonstration – by Dennis Murray: story-teller, blacksmith & Clarion County’s #1 liar, across from Sawmill Craft Market
200pm-230pm Cannon & Musket Firing Demonstration – by the camp Corps of Artillery, in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
230pm-300pm Peril in the Forest – tactical engagement in the woods along Black Bear Trail across from the old Sawmill Classroom
The Cook Forest French & Indian War Encampment is an excellent opportunity for a fun and educational weekend getaway. You will experience history and enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreational outdoor activities that Cook Forest State Park has to offer.
Book your vacation getaway during this time. Call us at 800-531-1545 to reserve your favorite cabin rental or go online to www.tophillcabins.com.
