Castillo plans second spring cannon school

National Park Service Ranger Joe Brehm reported to Historic City News that all available spaces for new trainees in the April 13th and 14th Cannon School have been filled; however, due to the high demand, a second spring cannon school will be held on May 11th and 12th at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

For those already registered for the April Cannon School, classes begin at 8:00 a.m. at the National Park Service headquarters building; north of the fort. A $20 materials fee is required for these Saturday and Sunday courses.

“Please wear closed toe shoes, natural fiber clothing and bring a hat,” Brehm said. “As always, any of our current volunteers over the age of 16 who need to attend the classes may attend, but space is limited.”

The second spring Cannon School, to be held on May 11th and 12th, has been opened for registration.

Any volunteers who would like to help out with the training of these new recruits are welcome to come out Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. If you would like to attend either as a trainee or a trainer, contact Ranger Joe Brehm at (904) 829-6506 x233.

On Saturdays at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Ranger Jesse Olbrich reported that he would like to start having regular drill sessions in the courtyard.

“These sessions would be open to any of our volunteers, whether they are new to our Manual of Arms and Close Order Drills, or old pros looking to brush up on their skills,” Olbrich said. “Whatever the case may be, grab your musket and come out to the Castillo!”

Currently, Olbrich says he is aiming for a 2:00 p.m. drill session every Saturday and a 2:30 p.m. musket demonstration.

If you would like to participate, contact Ranger Jesse Olbrich at (904) 829-6506 X233.