BUENA PARK : Revolutionary War Days to Be Relived

Fourth of July celebrants who want to look beyond fireworks can experience the Revolutionary War and the 1770s lifestyle when the Southern California Community of Colonial Arts sets up a “living history” encampment across from Knott’s Berry Farm this weekend.

History buffs from around the region will don period dress and demonstrate the tools and crafts that helped people survive this country’s early years.

Visitors can wander through the encampment free of charge from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The camp will be on the grounds of Independence Hall across Beach Boulevard from Knott’s.

Participants, who call themselves “historical re-enactors,” are steeped in the daily minutiae and the trends of the era, according to Vickie Emanuel, a Moreno Valley teacher who will play the part of a craftsman’s wife and colonial schoolteacher.

The actors are glad to take some time from their weaving, spinning or blacksmithing to answer questions about their crafts and their historical personas.

“It’s better than a textbook, because you can see how things were back then,” Emanuel said. Women, for instance, often were the doctors of the community, she said. Actors at the camp will mix the herbs and ointments families used for ailments.

About 30 to 50 colonists are expected to camp on the grounds, muskets at the ready. The colonial militia, or Minutemen, frequently did not have uniforms, but the actors will wear period dress and be prepared to skirmish with the Redcoats.

Patrick Henry and other historical re-enactors will also be on hand to inspire the Minutemen.