One hundred and fifty years ago this Sunday, downtown Staunton was enlivened with a fair designed to benefit the newly formed local militia unit—the West Augusta Guard. This year, the West Augusta Guard (WAG) living history reenacting group will bring that fair back to life as they also celebrate George Washington’s birthday on February 22, 1732. The fair takes place from noon until 4 p.m. on the steps and lawn of the Augusta County Courthouse.
Just as in 1859, the fair will include military parading, speeches, and homemade goodies baked by the ladies of the West Augusta Guard. A portion of the bake sale proceeds will go to the Augusta County Historical Society The purpose of the original fair was to outfit and equip the newly formed unit as is noted in a newspaper article from that time:
The ladies, who never weary in doing, are busily engaged in the very laudable purpose of getting up a fair, to be held in the Town Hall, on the 22d of Feb., for the benefit of the new and elegant volunteer company, lately organized in our town. The mere fact that the ladies are engaged in this undertaking is the surest omen of its complete success.-- We understand that the proceeds of the fair are to be appropriated to the fitting up of an armory and drill-room for the company. The ladies of the town and county, it is hoped, will contribute liberally towards the success of the enterprise, for the object is a good one, and with the ladies it cannot fail.
The West Augusta Guard is a Civil War reenactment group based in the city of Staunton and Augusta County. They portray the famed militia of West Augusta from the time period 1858 to 1865. They visit numerous elementary schools in the area to teach children about the Civil War and Staunton and Augusta’s role during that time period.
During this living history demonstration visitors will see military displays, period fife and drum music, and speeches from reenacters portraying “period politicians” and “clergy,” all in celebration of our first U.S. President. Washington, of course, was revered not only as the Father of our Country, but in Augusta County he was remembered as a leader in the Virginia militia during a time when Augusta’s citizen soldiers protected America’s frontier. Come see the material culture displays of the West Augusta Guard. There will be plenty of baked goods, breads, cakes, and pies for sale. There is convenient parking in the Wharf parking lot. Free to the public. For more information about WAG or the event visit www.freewebs.com/westaugustaguard or contact Waverly Adcock (540-332-0773) or Bobby Anderson (540-887-8236).
|  | 2. Members of the West Augusta Guard, both military and civilian reenactors, march in a Staunton parade
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