UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA. Re-enactors of Washington's crossing threaten to boycott this year's program

The state park administrator took over the event.
UPPER MAKEFIELD, Pa. (AP) -- Longtime re-enactors of George Washington's Christmas crossing of the Delaware River are threatening to boycott this year's event, the latest salvo in their ongoing battle with a state park administrator.
At least 15 boatmen and an undetermined number of militia re-enactors are refusing to participate in the Christmas Day event, which commemorates Washington's 1776 crossing that led to crucial victories in Trenton and Princeton and reversed the declining fortunes of the Continental Army.
Changes upset re-enactors
Their wrath is aimed at Michael A. Bertheaud, site administrator for Washington Crossing State Park in Pennsylvania, who instituted a number of changes that upset longtime re-enactors.
Members of the Washington Crossing Re-Enactors Society have organized the event for much of its 50-year history, using their own uniforms and at times paying to buy or restore the boats.
Last year, Bertheaud wrested control of the event from the society, saying he wanted to give some other re-enactors a chance to play more visible roles. The society went to court to get an injunction against Bertheaud, but lost.
"After everything I've done over the years and all that the society has done to bring this historic event before the public every year, he shows us no respect. After 38 years, he made me an alternate and I just won't accept that," said Lonzie Rinker, a retired Bucks County Community College science professor who has trained crew members.
Cardiologist Joseph Majdan, the society's president, said he may attend the event in his Continental officer's uniform, but will not take part.
"I think the park administration is destroying the spirit of volunteerism and lacks respect for those who kept the event going over the decades. It's up to the politicians to correct the situation if they want the Delaware River crossing to survive," he said.
Unaware of boycott
Bertheaud does not speak to the media about the society, but the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which operates the park, said it was unaware of any planned boycott.
"As far as I know, some who participated in the past will be there and several who have never joined up are coming for the re-enactment," said commission spokeswoman Jane Crawford. "Changes were made, as I understand it, to make it fairer for more people to be involved."
The threatened boycott may be moot. The crossing may have to be canceled because this month's heavy precipitation has swollen the Delaware River, according to Jim Abbott, safety officer of the event.