Fifes and Drums at Sudbury, 29 Sept.

Saturday, 29 September, is the day of the annual fife and drum muster at Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, hosted by the Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute and the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie. In addition to dozens of musical groups, the event includes craftspeople, sutlers, food tents, and games. It’s a fine way to start the fall.

Since I’ll be otherwise occupied tomorrow, I got my fix of fifes and drums at Old Sturbridge Village’s annual Drummer’s Call earlier this month. That’s the Musick of Prescott’s Battalion performing on the Old Sturbridge “village green” above. At left is a member of one of the host units preparing to present Prescott’s with a commemorative plate.

At many of these events the visiting units receive ribbons denoting their presence, which they attach to the colors. I imagine having a handmade clay plate hanging off the flagpole is more awkward, but it’s the honor of the thing.