But even the “gamers” and the re-enactors are mental giants compared to the folks who are lost without “reality TV” and “talk shows” like Oprah and Jerry Springer! And then there are the sports nuts who can’t tell you anything about George Washington, but can give you the names and stats on every base, foot and basketball player extant. It’s sad, really, but what can one do…..

–ML

One of the most idiotic (but funny) reenacting events I have ever read about is described at: http://wesclark.com/jw/rush.html

I think this line from the above link may still take the cake of stupidity at a Civil War event: “Nobody was safe, even in the portajohns (doors were kicked in, in order to fire upon the hapless occupants).”

Chris

The problem might lie in the way this event was pitched by the promoters:

“TO ARMS, BOYS! TO ARMS!
U.S General George Armstrong Custer is advancing on the peaceful Stanardsville with a mounted cavalry. Will you defend The Cause? Or will you join with the Union army to see that Virginia once again joins the United States of America?
Come for a fun and historical weekend at The Battle of Stanardsville Reenactment. There will be exciting battle scenes, historical demonstrations, carriage rides, shopping, a period-accurate ball and plenty of activities for children.”

The odds of attracting characters like these two were probably overwhelming from the “gitgo”…..