During Dave Herman’s more than 25 years with the Lockport Township Park District, he has seen the Civil War Days event become World War II Days and then Military History Weekend.
Now the Lockport resident is coordinating his last Military History Weekend from Sept. 7 to 8 at the 170-acre Dellwood Park.
“We do try to honor and mention and thank all of the veterans,” said Herman, the director of recreation who retires in May.
Military History Weekend includes a veterans hospitality tent from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days with free lunch and beverages sponsored by AARP and Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5788.
“That’s very important to us. We feed them and a spouse or guest. They get to sit around and mingle. We don’t have too many World War II veterans. We’re seeing a lot more Korean War veterans and Vietnam veterans. It’s nice to see them socialize and talk together,” Herman said.
“Some of them are current military or recent veterans as well.”
Military History Weekend features Civil War, World War I, World War II and Vietnam War encampments as well as an expanded area with trenches and a bunker where ages 8 and younger may watch the battlefield.
All battles, including the new World War I battle, feature pyrotechnics sponsored by Heidelberg Materials.
“We hire a pyrotechnician that simulates bombings. We’re blowing up stuff during the battles so it makes it pretty cool,” Herman said.
Herman said 2023’s Military History Weekend had 450 reenactors and about the same number could be involved this year. Registration is accepted up to event day.
He explained volunteer reenactors from primarily Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin receive free meals and are provided with firewood and water.
“We want to teach people about history and put on a great show,” Herman said. “We do what we can for them and they like to entertain people and teach people about history so it’s a great working relationship.”
The event’s first day includes a bridge skirmish over a creek and Brass from the Past covering Motown, pop, jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, rock and funk. The final day includes Encore Concert Band and a World War II girls baseball living history demonstration with the Rockford Peaches team.
Sweet Reminder performs 1940s to 1960s hits on both days, which also feature food vendors, a beer garden in a tent from Vietnam and reenactor booths with items including reproduction military uniforms, souvenirs and collectibles.
“When the last battle’s done, we make sure all the pyro is cleaned up and the battlefield is safe, and we let everyone and all the kids go on the battlefield,” said Herman. “They can pick up all the spent shell casings from the weekend.”
Herman’s uncle, Charlie Hayes, served in Vietnam; his father, Jim Herman, served in the Korean War; and another uncle, Gene Herman, was in World War II.
Although Military History Weekend requires a ticket, the United Service Organizations show featuring Bob Seger tribute band Silver Bullet STL at 8 p.m. Sept. 7 is free.
Military History Weekend
When: 9:30 a.m. Sept. 7-8
Where: Dellwood Park, 199 E. Woods Drive, Lockport
Tickets: $10 adults; $5 ages 12 and younger, 55 and older, and veterans
Information: 815-838-1183, Ext. 0; lockportpark.org/mhw
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.