WWII Weekend is the biggest WWII reenacting event in the St. Louis area. It is also one of the oldest WWII reenacting events of any sort in the world having been held at historic Jefferson Barracks Park for over 20 years. This event is free to the public and participants. It is hosted by the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion of St. Louis, a unit that is over 30 years old, to honor all those who have served in the US Armed Forces. It is always held the last full weekend in April.  In 2008 that would be April 25th - 27th. The past few WWII Weekends have seen about 150 reenactors attending with units representing US Rangers, US Airborne, US Armored Forces, US Infantry, Russian Infantry, Royal Marine Commandos, British Airborne, German Heer, German SS, and German SS Panzer forces. There are always at least a dozen operational and participating WWII vehicles including Stuart tanks, German and US half tracks, German and US motorcycles, British armor, trucks and lots of jeeps. A general European Theater of Operations battle is held for the benefit of the public spectators of which about 5,000 show up to see the show. There will be 2 battles on Saturday and one Sunday.

*       Saturday battle times are 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

*       Sunday's battle will be at Noon.

There are two areas of interest at WWII Weekend. The encampment and, about a half mile away, the battle field. 

Encampment Layout

Click to View Camping \ Display Availability

 A large educational encampment will display the equipment of all the reenactors. The encampment is located at the north end of Jefferson Barracks County Park across from the visitor’s center and is bordered by Gark, CCC, and Bagby roads and the footpath. We call this area the square. Within this square area only WWII equipment will be allowed from Friday afternoon until Sunday 3pm. Weapons and other equipment demonstrations will be held in the camp throughout the weekend. Modern vehicles are only allowed to enter for unloading and must be cleared out of the area immediately. Modern camping for participants is allowed in the old Camp Calendar area overlooking the river. There will be both Allied and Axis camp sites.  The stone barn near the Visitor's Center will serve as the reenactor registration point. Stop by there to register and inquire about camp layout.  We have plenty of room for any period correct display. Reenactors are reminded that WWII veterans attend this event and our displays must conform to their memories. If you have a good display that you want to show it off now is the time to educate the public on WWII. There will also be a Military Vehicle Preservation Association display in the camp. A food concession will be selling food near the camp.

 The Battlefield

 The battlefield will be set up ahead of time with props such as tank obstacles and wall sections. It is located in the large field across from Grant's Pavilion on the east side of Gregg Rd. The spectator area is well defined and a sheltered area with some chairs is reserved for veterans. An announcer will narrate the battles and the weapons demonstrations. Spectators are allowed onto the battlefield afterwards to see where the enemy was defeated. Hearing protection may be a a good idea. The battlefield is about a half mile from the encampment and reenactors can march or ride in WWII vehicles back and forth.

 Also Interesting:

  A WWII big band dance will be held at Grants shelter on Saturday night. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery borders the park to the south.

 Where:

 From highway 255 (270) exit onto Telegraph Rd and turn North. Drive almost exactly 3.0 miles to the park entrance on the right, do not veer left when Telegraph Rd. deviates to the left.  Stay straight and the road will transition into Kingston Dr.  After you have traveled 3.0 miles from the highway, you will see Jefferson Barracks County Park entrance on the right.  Enter here, pass through the stone gate, and make the first (Gark Rd.) or second (CCC Rd) left to get to the encampments. Plenty of free parking is available. 

Click for a map of the general area where the event will take place.

 For Reenactors:

  Unit Commanding Officers-- Please check in at the Ranger camp when you get there and ask for Perry Locke, event coordinator, to get the latest info. A CO meeting will be held to go over Mike McQuillen’s battle plan.

  Set-Up--   We would like to get the battlefield props and encampment set up on Thursday and Friday. Please make every effort to get everything ready by Friday evening.

  Registration-- All reenactors and exhibitors will be required to register.  Any E.T.O. combat reenactor is welcome to come and be in the battle.  This includes all American, German, British, Canadian, and Russian.  The minimum age for the battle is 18.  If a parent or guardian is also reenacting this event and is on the battle field, the minimum age for participation is 16.  Please register as early as possible Saturday. We will have registration at the stone barn across from the visitor’s center.

Click for WWII weekend registration and rules.

  Safety and Authenticity-- Everyone that plans on being in WWII Weekend will go through a Safety and Authenticity check. Reenactors are required to conform to the uniform and equipment standards of the impression they are portraying. Your participation in this event is dependent on looking right. We will be looking especially for bad hair cuts. At recent events haircuts have been provided at inspection and no they did not look good so be prepared ahead of time. Off the collars and ears. Long hair will not be tolerated. This is a public battle so be sure your uniform is correct and in good condition. If it is worn, faded or torn get a new one. The Rangers will recruit safety and authenticity representatives from the other nationalities to inspect their ranks. Be warned if one of your members is farby it will reflect on your entire unit. Do not let it get that far. Look right ahead of time. During WWII they did not have cell phones, slurpies, plastic trash bags, nylon chairs or other stuff like that so keep up the correct appearance all weekend. Also no live ammo of any sort allowed at this event.