Mighty Tiny House page 8 September 24, 2021 | Vol. 2 Iss. 39
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Reenactments bring history to life By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com BOUNTIFUL—For anyone who happened to stop by Bountiful Park last week, they would have bumped into the likes of George Washington and Joan of Arc. They were both part of the annual Freedom’s Light Festival that highlights the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. Visitors were transported back to Colonial times where characters recounted their place in history. “I am the same height and weight as George Washington,” said Gary Vandolzer, who plays the first President. “I share the same wedding anniversary and my uniform is made like the one at the Smithsonian.” Vandolzer started portraying Washington several years ago. “We’re losing our history,” he said. “We carve our Founding Fathers in stone but I prefer them in the flesh to show who he really was.” If children are to carry the nation forward they need to know about the past, he said. “As a boy I would read four to five history books a week. I was fascinated by historical characters. I would look at them and think ‘they’re just like me.’ They’re great people with flaws.” Vandolzer said there are things going on in the nation that he doesn’t care for. “We have to do something to counter that. You can’t let it beat you. You have to stand up and do what you can and believe in hope.” Jason Christensen, who plays John Adams, said he found a connection with the man when he started studying his history. “I started seeing similar characteristics between us in his study habits, his thinking and other attributes. I see myself as a modern day John Adams. I started doing reenactments and I love it.” The volunteers are amazing, said Dalane England, who organizes the event each year. “They only use original information so that we know what they’re saying is accurate. They really learn their part. It’s a great sacrifice but they feel like it’s worth it. They really enjoy it.”
There were a lot of school field trips that came, she said. “We were going every second. We had a better turnout than ever. It was delightful.” England said there has been a renewed interest in learning more about the Constitution. “What’s been happening across the country has created a real surge in interest to preserve our nation. To protect it (Constitution) you have to learn about it.” l
Top: SOLDIERS FIRE THEIR MUSKETS at the Freedom’s Light Festival, Saturday at Bountiful Park. Bottom left: Native American Running Bear A.K.A. Todd Tingey, Bountiful, speaks with school-aged kids and families about American history and Native Americans. Bottom right: Gary Vandolzer, portraying George Washington talks about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. Photos by Roger V. Tuttle