Miniature Naval Wargaming Returns to Woodstock July 14

Participants, whether experienced wargaming admirals or brand-new naval ensigns, will have a chance to command naval ships in simulated combat as Miniature Naval Wargaming comes to Ethereal Confections and MD Trains in The Woodstock Square at 9 a.m., Sunday, July 14.

This is the 4th Annual Naval Wars of Woodstock event. In the morning, a few of the games players can choose from offer opportunities to join pirates on the Spanish Main, fight in WWII naval action with the Royal Navy or Kriegsmarine in the fjords of Norway, or reach ramming speed in a trireme during the Peloponnesian War.

In the afternoon, players can submerge with a wolfpack of German submarines, or sail with the escort group defending a convoy across the Atlantic during WWII, invade a Japanese-held Island with Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his Lego troops, or command a ship in combat over the deserts of Mars.

All-in-all, there are six games to choose from in the morning and six more in the afternoon.

“There’s a some naval combat action for a wide variety of interests,” said Rich Rostron, who has helped to host the games with miniature wargaming group HMGS-Midwest. “And what’s nice is that, no matter how much or how little experience someone has, anyone can play. If someone is a novice, game managers and other players will help them along.”

Players are invited to stick around for a Social Pizza Dinner after the battles. And, throughout the day, Ethereal Confections offers its full menu of coffees, teas, beer, wine and liquor; their incredible bean-to-bar chocolate, pastries and other food options.

The cost of the event is $10 for non-members of HMGS. Joining the group is $10. The morning sessions are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the afternoon games are from 2 to 6 p.m.