On Saturday June 1st, at the Boone County Fair Grounds combined members of the Simon Kenton and Cincinnati SAR chapters, also the Kentucky DAR chapters joined to celebrate the “Founding of Boone County, Kentucky”.
Opening Statements and Welcome
Combined SAR/DAR Color Guard
Ladies of the DAR
From the Cincinnati SAR Chapter, participants included Michael Gunn, Jack Bredenfoerder dressed in 1770’s military attire.
Wonderful Tent Provided to House Exhibits
Cincinnati SAR Chapter Scott Freeman also was there to help lead the events.
Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman answers visitor questions
Four members of the Simon Kenton SAR chapter including chapter president Stuart Martin were also there to contribute to this great event.
The purpose of this celebration was to celebrate the founding of Boone County, Kentucky.
Revolutionary War artifacts for visitor viewing
To leverage the historical theme, the SAR/DAR participants presented artifacts, weapons, uniforms and clothing of the 1770’s during the American Revolutionary War conflict.
Various weapons “firelocks” of the Revolutionary War including smooth-bore muskets and rifles
Close up of artifacts on display including period swords or sabres
The SAR / DAR participants posted colors (flags) to kick off the event. The colors were posted at the Courthouse.
Color Guard Flag Posting Parade
Color Guard on the march with the drummer leading the way
Colors (Flags) posted to start the ceremony
The group returned to the Fair Grounds to give history presentations to the public at 11:00AM. These presentations were designed to permit visitors to touch, feel and ask questions of the SAR/DAR participants.
Mike Gunn answers questions of visitors
A common question was “what was it like to be a soldier in this war?”. The SAR/DAR participants answered many questions and really appreciated sharing the stories of their ancestors.
Many visitors were on hand with many questions which were graciously answered by SAR representatives
The SAR & DAR is a lineage ancestral organization where members were required to prove their direct lineage back to an American Revolution soldier or supporter of the war. No uncles, direct lineage to grandfathers or grandmothers. If you suspect you have a direct lineal relative who served or provided support for the revolutionary war, and would like to join the SAR or DAR, you can start by reaching out via our membership page of our website. Please leave a comment indicating you are interested in membership and we will get back to you to discuss the process and the requirements. Our membership website page is: https://cincinnatisar.org/membership/
These SAR/DAR representatives are proud of their heritage and willingly share information and the stories of who and where their ancestors came from. The visitors showed no hesitation in asking questions.
After that, there was a parade of the Color Guard (SAR members in period uniform). That was followed by a ceremonial musket salute.
Ceremonial Musket Salute – no humans were harmed during this event
The smoke cleared, then these members returned to a tent erected by the Simon Kenton SAR to house 18th century artifacts.
In this tent, many discussions between SAR/DAR members and the public took place.
Great view of the SAR Exhibit Tent
SAR Representatives showing visitor the operations of a Flintlock musket
Unfortunately, the event was cut short by a couple of hours due to rains coming in.
Not to dampen our spirits, the SAR/DAR representatives spoke with an estimated 80+ visitors sharing information and answering questions. We received many compliments and took in praise to our presentations and exhibits.
Location was: Boone County Fair Grounds, 5819 Idlewild Road in Burlington, Kentucky.
Both Scott Freeman and Stuart Martin – respective Presidents of the Cincinnati and Simon Kenton chapters of the SAR were very pleased with the event and committed to participate together in the future.
Scott Freeman conducted a Rev War trivia quiz during the event.
Trivia anyone?
To add an attraction for the children, there was a cut out background with 1770’s attire with head cut outs so they could get their photos taken “in character”.
American Revolution children sized cutouts, just right for that photo opportunity
All in all a very successful event which was cut short by rain, yet not before many visitors were treated to a great presentation and exhibit.
We look forward to next year!
Huzzah!!
