On Saturday, July 19th, Ringwood State Park will be transformed into South Africa at the turn of the 20th Century. The park will host an encampment of members of the Royal Sussex Regimental Society and other military reenactors representing the forces of the British Empire and the Boer settlers, also known as Afrikaaners, of the Transvaal and Orange Free State. Skirmishes are planned to reenact the fighting which took place between the British and the Boers during the three-year struggle for control over the land in South Africa. The Royal Sussex Regimental Society, a New Jersey/New York based living history group, is an organization of history enthusiasts who interpret the military and civil aspects of the British Empire from King George III to Queen Victoria. They will be joined by reenactors representing the Royal Irish Fusiliers, the Middlesex Regiment, the Royal Highland Regiment, the West Yorkshire Regiment, and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Reenactors from the Pretoria Commando, the Bloemfontein Commando, and the Irish Transvaal Brigade will represent the opposing Boer forces in what has grown to be the largest annual British Victorian living history event on the East Coast. This event has continually grown from its humble beginnings in 2006 at Ringwood Manor and now attracts people from as far as Maine & Virginia. The activities will begin with camps opening at 10:30am Saturday morning. Visitors will see demonstrations and camp life representing the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1901. Both British and Boer camps will be open to the public where visitors can see and learn about life at the end of the Victorian period, what actually caused one of the most devastating and misunderstood conflicts in African colonial history, and how its lingering effects shaped the world today. The simulated skirmishes taking place between the Boers and British will provide the public with a unique opportunity to see the beginning of modern technological warfare. It was the period when weapons changed from single-shot to rapid-fire and the splendid uniforms which had previously built powerful global empires were retired for more sensible, utilitarian attire. The Boer War was, in a sense, a grim preview of things to come as the 20th century dawned. Visitors are encouraged to visit each camp, talk with the reenactors, and ask questions in between the skirmishes. The military skirmishes are scheduled to take place at 12:00pm and 3:00pm on Saturday. Visitors will still be able to visit the camps on Sunday morning, but they will break down around 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, activities, games, and demonstrations will take place throughout the day on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor, with civilian reenactors presenting aspects of daily Victorian life. This living history event is free of charge. There is, however, a parking fee to enter Ringwood State Park of $5 per car for in-state residents, $7 per car for out-of-state residents. The event is open to all ages, but parents should be aware that young children may be scared by loud firing noises from the reenactors’ weapons. The event will take place rain or shine. The Royal Sussex Regimental Society living history event is sponsored by Ringwood State Park and the New Jersey Division of Parks & Forestry. For more information on the Royal Sussex, please visit their website at www.royalsussex.org. For information about Ringwood Manor and upcoming events please visit www.ringwoodmanor.com or call 973-962-7031 ext. 0.