Toy soldier show to march into Columbia
COLUMBIA -- No matter what you call them - toys, figurines or collectibles - toy soldiers are loved by children and cherished by adults. That's why the South Carolina State Museum will host the 18th annual Southeastern Toy Soldier Show on Aug. 14 starting at 10 a.m.
A vast assortment of toy soldiers will be available to be traded, bought or simply enjoyed. Miniature tanks, planes, cannons, vehicles, buildings, trees, bushes, cars and other items may also be purchased for building dioramas. For those who just love the history and education represented by these classic figures, there will be books, videos and DVDs for sale, as well.
"Providing the various items listed will be 30 different vendors from around the Southeast, meaning the event is sure to have something that sparks anyone's interest," said chief curator of history Fritz Hamer.
Also on display will be a number of astonishingly detailed dioramas and toy soldiers with a variety of themes, ranging from ancient times to present conflicts such as in Afghanistan.
One of premier dioramas will be the South Carolina Military Miniature Society's (SCMMS) annual display. This year, it depicts the preparations for the coronation of His Majesty King Edward II in August 1902. The diorama will be on display through Labor Day.
"The society's members conducted extensive research so that the diorama accurately reflects the period," said Hamer.
The full details do show. As soldiers are shown in their living quarters taking orders, others are on horseback at attention in the yard, and blacksmiths make horse shoes and apply them as helpers clean the horses. Also, foreign royalty poses for pictures. Two guards stand outside the gates, and a young boy looks up at a police officer as if asking, "what's going on?"
Guests also will see living history re-enactments on the front grounds. Demonstrations of how soldiers camped out, trained and more will be presented during the day by the South Carolina Volunteer Infantry.
For more information, call (803) 898-4921. For information on group rates and tours, call (803) 898-4999. Visit online at www.southcarolina- statemuseum.org. The museum is located at 301 Gervais St., Columbia, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will be open on Mondays for the month of December and Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $6 for military, $3 for children 3-12 and children younger than 3 are admitted free.