[Capriole]

I know it seems disgusting. But Revolutionary War reenactments have had corporate sponsorships for some time. This past winter, for example, some splendid Revolutionary events were sponsored by local banks and other corporations, and their assistance allowed the participants to put on a far better event, involving and affecting far more spectators and educating the public about our magnificent history. Meanwhile, the RevWar reenactors themselves, who for the most part put a tremendous amount of time, energy, and MONEY into this hobby, don't have to pay an additional fee to participate and often enjoy other perquisites, like food and shelter, on the corporation's tab.

Civil War reenactments are staggeringly expensive to stage. Even the small events require organizers to put in a full-time effort for many months--not something an employed person can do. When there are 15,000 reenactors, 125 cannon, and perhaps 60,000 spectators to organize, you can understand why corporate sponsorship is becoming necessary. Within the last few years we've seen that the people who enjoy this hobby want one big megaturbo-farbfest event each year. But if corporations don't foot the bill, they won't happen. And that means that many Americans won't have the chance to learn about nineteenth-century history and material culture through this medium.

That said, I have to add that as a reenactor I prefer the tiny by-invitation-only hardcore events during which we immerse ourselves in the life of the nineteenth century.

[CWRWinger]

I prefer the tiny by-invitation-only hardcore events

Yes. And I can't see these events costing that much. There is a Confederate church a few miles from where I live which puts on re-enactments every year with about (40) participating and no corporate sponsorship. It is a very high quality event which attracts a thousand or more.

The problem I see with corporate sponsorship is the corporate culture which will end up corrupting the events.