Thursday, Jul 27, 2006
San Juan Islanders and visitors can take a step into the past and compete just at U.S. soldiers and British Royal marines did in the 1860’s during Soldier Games, a program scheduled at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 31, on the English Camp parade ground.
The event is free. A golf cart is available to transport disabled persons to and from the parade ground. Call the park at 378-2240 or 378-4409 for additional special access information.
During the joint military occupation of the island the two camps regularly exchanged visits on special occasions – usually the Fourth of July at American Camp, and Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 24, at English Camp -- a tradition begun by Capt. George E. Pickett and Capt. George Bazalgette the very first year. Contests included hop, step, and jump; foot race, 100yards; high leap, standing, and high leap running; long leap, running and long leap, standing; running backwards, 100 yards; throwing the shot; hurdle race, 150 yards; foot race, 150 yards; and foot race (blindfold), 100 yards. The day also included novelty events such as a wheel barrow race (blindfolded), canoe and sculling races, a sack race, bobbing at rolls, carrying a bucket of water and walking a greasy pole.
The modern equivalent will feature some of the above, particularly the running and jumping contests, throwing the shot and perhaps wheel barrow and gunny sack races. But there will be no greased poles.
|
