Two concerts by historic re-enactment bands are the first in a series that will benefit flood victims.
The first is Saturday, November 5, and the second is Saturday, November 19. Both are at the Gallupville House on Route 443 in Wright.
Both will benefit Wright flood victims.
Paula Shafer, a re-enactor herself, came up with the idea for the concerts, which for the most part will benefit smaller towns hit by Irene and Lee flooding.
"These outlying places need help," Ms. Shafer said. "I know Wright kind of got lost in the shuffle."
Because of limited seating, tickets for both concerts are by reservation only. There will be no tickets at the door.
The November 5 concert is nearly sold out; those interested should call Ms. Shafer at 872-0199.
The November 5 date features the 77th New York Balladeers, Iron Jacks, Rural Felicity and Uncle Billy's Balladeers. A re-enactor portraying Abraham Lincoln will be there at 6pm, and the concert starts at 7.
On November 19, Iron Jacks, Uncle Billy's Balladeers and Rural Felicity will perform. The concert begins at 7pm.
Tickets are $15 apiece or $25 per couple. Checks should be made out to Fields of Grace Outreach with a memo to the Town of Wright Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to Fields of Grace Outreach, PO Box 48, Middleburgh.
There's a purpose to having re-enactors perform, Ms. Shafer said.
"I'm pleased that all of them were willing to do this for the flood victims of the Valley that we love so much," she said. "We all have strong ties to it with our ancestors who helped colonize the area and defend it..
"We can fight this battle too that we now have if we work together like we are as a community."
Although the first two concerts are in November, Ms. Shafer plans to continue the series in January.
"It will be a circuit," she said. "We'll do these over and over.
"We plan to start at the lower end of the Valley--Esperance, Central Bridge--and work our way to Blenheim, Gilboa and Prattsville."
Anyone with questions can call Ms. Shafer or Richard Sherman, who's assisting. His number 295-8142.