Steeped in history, Quebec City is too good a venue to leave to a simple military impression. Therefore many reenactors organize special events to express our enjoyment and appreciation of the 300 year old streets of this beautiful city.

In 1998, those that had formulated the Fop Fest idea, planned to mark the event with an evening of genteel delights. While many of us set to work on our costumes, (some of them kept secret until the great day) the organizers of the event also had it in mind to set aside some time for a "Grand Promenade" through the old town, so that event participants could walk at their leisure and and display their costumes, civilian or military, rich or poor. The effect was a simulated 18th century town and it was easy to imagine what the town must have been like on a sultry summer evening in the 18th century.

After the battle on Saturday afternoon, many a private solider rushed from the Plains of Abraham to change from his battle-worn uniform to the mode of a proper gentleman. While the ladies prepared themselves in the Centre de la Découverte, the gentlemen intended to enjoy a round of claret at Mr. Dunning's famous tavern while each gentlemen had his hair curled. Unfortunately, the afternoon battle had gone on too long, causing all of us to rush our toilette, without this pleasant meeting.

When the crowd of reenactors gathered at at the starting point outside the Centre de la Découverte, the air was full of anticipation of new gowns, coats, and a variety of fancy impressions. A beautiful 18th century experience was unfolding before our eyes. For those who formulated the Fop Fest idea, the rules granted participants leeway to don any costume from 1760 to 1790, give or take a bit of grace.

For our own little clique, the event would not have displayed the calibre it did without the careful attention of Mistress Nancy Watt. Mistress Watt is Queen of our court, it was her knowledge and her library that inspired many of the costumes and her hand and eye that designed many of the gowns and hats for the ladies. Indeed, Mistress Watt beamed with well-deserved pride at her girls, who in turn illuminated the eyes of the many admiring gentlemen as they emerged from the Centre de la Découverte.

Tthe ladies showed everything from the belle to the coquette to the macaroni. Both Miss Sarah Watt and Missus Ditterick were irresistible angels in their new gowns. Missus Elizabeth McAnulty went to the extreme with a rather amusing (although blinding) mixture of pinks and a hat saturated in roses in the latest French taste -- a true female macaroni. Accompanying Elizabeth was a newcomer to living history, the shy and precious Lady Evelynn who had almost every gentleman at her feet by the end of the evening. Strangely, all the smitten rakes confessed that there was something familiar about Lady Evelynn.

As for the gentlemen, it was Mr. Sandford who first inspired his brother soldiers to indulge in the evening's play. His was a natural satisfaction at the sight of so many delightful impressions.

There were superb military officer costumes such as Captain Cameron with his perfect little cocked dress hat and the powdered and wigged Major Damocles Bogdanski - a veteran of the late American Wars.

The man most of us revere, Brigadier Watt was resplendent in his provincial green coat and delicious red breasted waistcoat, accompanied by his elegant lady in a burgundy gown of Chinoiserie faced in dark red velvet.

From the Centre de la Découverte, the 18th century crowd proceeded down the Grand Allée towards the St - Louis Gate and into the old city. As the bulk of the promenade passed under the walled gates, there was a great excitement as Sir Barlow Clémente made his appearance in a stylish home-fashioned sedan chair.

The walk finally arrived at the boardwalk where everyone took the time to pleasantly converse and admire each other. It was such a pleasure with such radiant gems like Mrs. Joyner and Mrs. Gilbey whose gowns suited them so very well.

But it just was not our little group who went overboard with such amazing impressions. Reenactors from all over the BB, BAR NWTA, and CL all looked extra well. Even the Native American living historians put on their best match coats and silver to parade through the streets with beaming pride.

The evening did not end with the Grand Promenade. Mr. Sandford and Sir John Korchuck (who unfortunately was absent) had arranged some simple fare at Le Pub Troubadour in the lower town. The service and food at this little pub was so delightful, we would recommend it to any visitor to the Quebec! We all dined, enjoying the traditional Quebec atmosphere created by the 300 year old walls. Next it was back to the military encampment to sample the many delights of the Grand Sutlers, Mr. Dunning and Mr. Inglis. By the end of the evening, much satisfactory flirting, gaming, singing, and dancing had occurred, though it is regrettable to report that there were rumours of several duels being fought the next morning. Such misfortunes aside, the whole company agreed that the evening was a completely agreeable experience.