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Welcome First Timers to D-Day Conneaut!
On behalf of the Staff of D-Day Ohio, and the City of
Conneaut, would like to take this opportunity to welcome you plus provide a few
helpful hints to how best enjoy your experience. There is much to see and do
onsite along with many activities happening around town. So join us Aug 19-20,
2011 as we recreate that Day of Days, June 6th, 1944.
Encampments
The "Encampments" (England-Allied Forces, Occupied
France-Axis Forces, French Resistance) of living historians are located in 3
distinct areas of the park. The Allied camp will be set up on the bluff -
England. The Axis forces and will be garrisoned south of the Valley Bridge in
the meadow which lies beside the meandering creek. This area will be known as
Occupied France. New this year is the French resistance encampment. This will be
located on the hill near the Road to Victory battle area. Sandwiched between
these encampments is the U.S. Airborne's Forward Operating Base. We encourage
everyone in attendance to visit these unique and distinctive areas of dedicated
reenactors eager to speak with you about their impression.
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Battle and Display Information
If this is your first time at an reenactment, here is what to
expect: During the battle scenarios, expect loud noises from simulated gunfire and
artillery; very loud noises. Those with sensitive hearing may wish to
bring hearing protection. We encourage you to purchase a
commemorative program so you can read in more detail about the scenarios being
played out in front of you. Between engagements there is plenty to
look at. We encourage you to ask questions to the hundreds of
reenactors who are representing all aspects of the conflict, but please ask
before attempting to handle any items. Most items on display are privately
purchased by the reenactor and then restored and maintained at their own expense.
Through these artifacts presented by our living historians, D-Day Conneaut
is attempting to educate, inform, enlighten and pay tribute to the men and
women who were thrust upon each other in a horrific global struggle, a
struggle that may have vivid memories for some of our visitors. Rest
assured that no reenactor or event planner is a proponent of the political ideals of
the era. Reenactors take great pride in their living history impressions and are eager to talk with you
about what they wear and what they carry.
Where to Park?
Friday Parking
Friday's schedule of activities begins at
9 AM. On-site parting
will be permitted for Veterans and handicap people only. The road network inside the park will be
closed once the event begins. There will be no road-side
parking on Lake Rd. by the park this year. There will be no
parking shuttle service run on Friday. If the on-site
parking fills, overflow parking will be available at the
Lakeshore Primary School, 755 Chestnut Street, located
just a few blocks from the western entrance of the park. The
school is identified as Parking Lot B on the parking map
below. Reserved spaces for handicapped and veterans will be
available on-site both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday Parking - There will be no
road-side parking on Lake Rd. by the park. Adequate,
convenient and safe parking is available at three secure
off-site parking locations. Two of the parking areas are
within walking distance of the park. Our third, Conneaut
High School, will serve as the overflow lot. A free quick
shuttle service will run to and from all 3 lots throughout
the day Saturday.
Plan your arrival to allow a little extra time for getting
to and from the park. Handicapped and veterans parking will
be on-site via Lake
Road. Assistance will be provided to mobility impaired
individuals. The shuttle drop off point, are identified on
the map.
Watch for signs around town to direct you to our 3
designated parking locations.
Before You Leave the Event
To ensure
that D-Day Conneaut remains free to the public, we need your generous financial
support. Please kindly consider contributing to
the donation buckets located around the encampment and/or visiting our PX
(store) tent. Proceeds go to perpetuating this great event. Many
unique items are available for purchase including
Victory Garden 67th
Anniversary of D-Day Seed Packets and our highly collectable
D-Day
Conneaut Commemorative Challenge
Coin.
These hand painted bronze coins tell a particular story of D-Day in stunning detail.
The entire volunteer staff of D-Day Conneaut thanks you for joining us as we
celebrate the turning point of the 20th Century. Along with hundreds of reenactors
we are working hard to keep the story of D-Day alive for generations to
come. We owe our efforts to the Greatest Generation, WWII Veterans and their families,
who sacrificed so much for our liberty and for that of a free world.