Battle of Aiken Hits Record Numbers

Aiken, SC—It’s living history at its finest…

Meet Daniel Williams…during the week he’s a Richmond County firefighter…but this weekend, he’s Second Lieutenant Commander to the Bernard E. Bee Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV).

Barclay Bishop, reporting: “What do the guys back at the station think?”

Daniel Williams, Richmond County firefighter: “Well, they think I’m crazy. A lot of them come out and they come here every year, and they enjoy it.”

And so do thousands of others. This year, the Battle of Aiken hit a record setting crowd of nearly 10,000, in one day. Wayne Jones is the battle’s event coordinator.

Wayne Jones, Event Coordinator, Battle of Aiken: “This year, I think with money being what it is, and the economy being what it is, people wanted to stay close to home.”

Some did, but not all. Anita Lauramore is from Jacksonville. She’s sold her antique jewelry here for years, and says, despite the tough times, it’s been business as usual.

Anita Lauramore, vendor: “I think people are more aware of what they purchase and I think that they purchase things that are more important to them, it’s not as frivolous.”

But here’s something that’s priceless…watching the cannons load up…and snagging a quick pic’ with actor David Chaltas, better known as General Robert E. Lee.

David Chaltas, General Robert E. Lee:  “This way, in this manner, they can see history come alive and they can embrace it and they want to learn more.”

And from the looks of it…they already are…

The Battle of Aiken is known as the largest field trip in South Carolina. Friday, they had more than 4,000 students spend the day, seeing their history come to life. The money raised from the weekend will go towards different southern heritage programs.