I've only been a spectator at a few reenactments over the years, but I was always impressed with the safety protocol. It seemed pretty thorough to me. Also, it was reassuring to hear the spokesman tell the crowd that the safety check was not only for the safety of the participants, but for the spectators as well. The only injuries I ever saw or heard about were the normal scrapes and bruises. I once saw a guy portraying a Yankee officer get thrown from his horse. It looked like he should have gotten hurt, but he bounced right back up, seemingly none the worse for wear.

What was most impressive to me was the absolute dedication to authenticity in the clothing, arms and accoutrements. Nary a zipper or velcro fastener in sight. When I was stationed in Washington many years ago, I chanced upon an encampment of reenactors at the Manassas battlefield. Visitors were encouraged to roam through the camp and talk to the soldiers and ask questions. Those guys were living exactly as they did in the Civil War, up to an including wearing woolen uniform jackets and cooking their rations over a campfire -- in Virginia in July! It really was "living history".