Cantigny Park hosts Revolutionary War re-enactment

Tim Hess never knows when he'll get killed.

Death during battle is usually a spur of the moment decision, says Hess, who will serve as a piper in the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment at Cantigny's upcoming Revolutionary War Re-enactment.

"If it's a hot day and there's a good shady spot, I'll take that," Hess said. "Or if we're losing, I'd rather stay on the field. It all depends on how the battle scenario goes."

Hess will be among about 600 re-enactors who will simulate a battle from the late 18th century war at the 23rd annual re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton.

The weekend's events are courtesy of the Northwest Territory Alliance, an educational organization that studies and re-creates the culture and lifestyle during the time of the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783.

"This is one of our favorite events that we do," said Laura Evans, Cantigny's director of visitor services. "We'll probably get between 5,000 and 6,000 people who will come out to the park each day."

Battles take place twice daily - at noon and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Additionally, visitors can walk through the encampment where actors will be reliving the 18th century lifestyle without any modern amenities. Chores throughout the day include fetching and cutting wood for fires, maintaining the fires, finding drinking water and cooking.

Children will demonstrate kids' games such as rounders, an early version of baseball. Silversmiths or blacksmiths will demonstrate their trades. A lesson on loading and firing the cannon always takes place.

For Hess, his job as an actor carries on throughout the weekend as he helps to run camp and perform his piper duties.

"I'm paid by my officer as a regimental piper. That was a trade back then," Hess said. "I have duties for wake-up in the morning, mess calls, meals, church services, good morale. I participate in all the battles to pipe the Highland troops in."

While Hess's final departure may vary each battle, there's something he knows for certain that will happen every day.

"You'll see about 10,000 people jump all at the same time when one of the cannons goes off," he said.

The event is free with a $5 parking fee.

Cantigny Park is a 500-acre estate in Wheaton that includes a museum, golf course, formal gardens and picnic and camping areas.

For information, call (630) 668-5161 or visit cantigny.org.

<p class="factboxheadblack">Revolutionary War Re-enactment </p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfiled Road, Wheaton</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost: </b>Free with $5 parking </p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org</p>