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Re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada WILL celebrate peace when they gather for the eighth annual Encampment August 26-27 on the English Camp parade ground.

The annual event commemorates the peaceful joint occupation of San Juan Island by British and American forces from 1859 to 1872, and the final, peaceful settlement of the Northwest Boundary dispute. Throughout the joint occupation the garrisons regularly exchanged visits to celebrate holidays that included Christmas, the Fourth of July and Queen Victoria’s birthday. Typically the men would participate in athletic contests, imbibe in spirits and other refreshments and usually host a dance to which the community was invited.

The Encampment tradition was renewed in 1998 on the occasion of the dedication of English Camp’s 80-foot flagpole, a gift to the park from the people of the United Kingdom.

More than 108 partner re-enactors from Vancouver, Fort Langley, Fort Rodd Hill, New Westminster, and Esquimalt, British Columbia; and Fort Nisqually, Fort Steilacoom, and Fort Vancouver will join with the park and the island's Battery D Foundation in staging the two-day exhibition.

Activities include re-creations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of music, cooking, blacksmithing, gunsmithing, spinning and weaving, sewing, cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue.

Highlight of the weekend is the Cast Iron Chef cooking contest held between members of Battery D and guest re-enactors portraying Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel. Another big favorite is the Candlelight Ball scheduled at 8 p.m. Saturday in the English Camp barracks.

The Life and Times of General George E. Pickett will precede Encampment, scheduled at 8 p.m., Friday August 26 at the San Juan Community Theatre and Art Centre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Call the theatre box office at 378-3210 or click on the theatre link above for ticket information.

The Great Royal Marine and U.S. Army Infantry Quiz (see link below), was another big success in 2004. Those completing their answer sheets were rewarded with either a miniature U.S. or British flag. The activity is especially popular among the children.