Chestertown Tea Party - 2023

http://www.chestertownteaparty.org/

Notes: This is an all day event with a parade and then an encampment plus a reenactment too!  Lots of fun with this event and always a large crowd onsite.  See more below for additional information.

We will be encamped down near the water and the Sultana.  Maps will be sent to participants.

We will have water and ice for you throughout the day.  If you are in need of additional water, you may access the back of the Custom House and get water from inside as well.  There will be a Chesapeake Heartland Project display at the back of the building.  Just ask one of their docents and they can give you access to the building and show you where to get water.

Heritage Village Drill - As we did last year, we ask that to accommodate our handicapped visitors, units rotate throughout the day performing drill on the Courthouse Green (a short walk up the street from the encampment).  This drill only needs to be 15 to 20 minutes.  The assigned times for drill are as follows:

10:45 - First Maryland Regiment (can stop at Heritage Village/Courthouse Green after passing judges stand during parade)

11:45 - 1st Battalion MD Loyalists/1st Battalion NJ Volunteers

12:00 to 1:00 - Colonial Cricket Demonstration:  4th Company, Brigade of Guards vs. Clotz's Battalion  (College Garden)

12:45 - 1st Delaware Regiment

From the event organizers:

Street Closures:

Street closures start at 8am.  Streets will reopen at 5pm.

Parking:

There is a free shuttle bus service for this event that serves park and ride lots at the Kent Plaza Shopping Center, Radcliffe Creek School,  and the Chestertown Business Park (across from Dixon Valve).  

Parade:

The parade lineup is at Dixon Drive and High Street in the Chestertown Business Park.  Parade lineup is at 9am.  If not at parade lineup by 9:30am you will not be permitted to march in the parade.

Parade Lineup will be in the Chestertown Business Park - use Dixon Drive to enter which can be accessed from High Street.  There is ample parking in the Business Park and shuttle buses run all day from the festival area that will bring you back to the entrance to the Business Park.  Lineup will be on Lynchburg Street facing High Street.  If you have any questions or trouble finding your spot, please look for parade officials in neon vests.

The parade route starts heading northeast on South Lynchburg Street, turning right onto High Street.  The parade route follows High Street to its terminus at the Chester River.  The total route is approximately 1 mile in length.  About ¾ of the way along the parade route is the Main Stage, which is the location of the judges.  There is a 3 minute time limit at the Judges Stand for any performances.

Parade prizes will be announced immediately following the parade.

Your Parade Line Up Position is:  14

Chestertown Tea Party Reenactment:

2:00pm - Near Main Stage - Tea Party Reenactment Begins - 30 minutes

3:00pm - Living History Demonstrations down near Sultana - 30 minutes  

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1st Delaware Regiment Specific:

Length of Event: All Day – 9am – 4pm

Arrival Time For Regiment: 8am

Parking: Please park as designated by event organizers. 

Restrooms: Portapotties nearby

Food and Beverages Provided: Yes – by Regiment or event organizer for lunch.

Encampment Setup Level: Small

Camp Kitchen Setup: Yes

Camp Kitchen Tent Fly: Yes

Supply Tent Setup: Yes

In Ground or Above Ground Fire Permitted: No

Individual Soldier Tents Permitted: No

Water Provided: Yes 

Straw Provided: No

Firewood Provided: No

Soldier Specific:

Impression: Delaware Militia / Civilian Dress

Kit Level: Cartridge box, canteen.  No bayonet.  Civilian accessories.

Musket Firing: Yes

Musician Specific:

Contact Musician Sergeant-Major for music to be played at this event.  Military calls also to be demonstrated too if possible.

Civilian Specific:

Impression: Civilian followers of a military camp.

Table Displays Permitted: Yes – please indicate display you wish to show to Officer of the Day or Civilian Camp Coordinator (if applicable).

Supporter Specific:

Please assist in setup and/or breakdown if possible.  Also – please bring camera or video camera to take photographs or video if possible.  We will look to take posed photos that will be used to help educate the public if possible at each event this year.

Registered as Attending:

1. Chris Mlynarczyk - Military - Officer
2. Jeff Gibson - Military - Officer of the Day
3. Sheri Gidick - Military - Soldier - Militia - NCO
4. Terry Dunham - Military - Soldier - Militia
5. John Osborn - Military - Soldier - Militia
6. Chris Birely - Military - Soldier - Militia
7. Milt Sherman - Military - Soldier - Militia
8. Andrew Gidick - Military - Soldier - Militia
9. Fane Wheeler - Military - Soldier - Militia
10. Heloise Osborn - Civilian
11. Alicia Gibson - Civilian + 
12. Beatrix Gibson - Military - Musician - Drummer
13. Stephanie Billon - Civilian
14. Wilma Upton - Civilian
15. Justine Frank - Civilian