Dispatches of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis Volume 8 Issue #08 (August 2026)

Did you miss recent Big Muddy events or want to check on some of the games played?

After Action Reports

Our After Action Reports are now being posted on our website:
WWW.BMHGA.COM

Check there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.

“An Underappreciated Victory”

On Saturday July 25th the historic Old St. Ferdinand Shrine School served as the backdrop for a truly premiere historical event in the St. Louis region, as the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance joined forces with several distinguished organizations to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

Bringing together interested community members, the event stood as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Partners included Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, Historic Florissant, the Florissant Valley Historical Society, The Historical Game Company and the Reverend John Clark Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, whose contributions—from promotion, to coordination to hospitality—helped create an engaging and memorable experience for all in attendance.

Featured speaker was author Steven Kling Jr discussing his newest book, “An Underappreciated Victory” Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779. brought this story vividly to life, drawing from his research and writing to illuminate Spain’s vital contributions—particularly in securing the Mississippi Valley and challenging British control in the western theater. His presentation underscored how the actions of Spanish forces and local allies in this region directly influenced the outcome of the war.

A Sincere Thank You to Stephen Kling Jr who presented the wonderful information contained in his newly released book and to Dr. Gina Stelzleni Siebe of Historic Florissant, Inc for her crucial role in pulling the event together. We also offer our Thanks to The Revered John Clark Chapter of the DAR for their help and refreshments, The Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shire for providing us the use of this historic school house, the Florissant Valley Historical Society for promotional support and to Jay Clendenny and the other attending members of Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis for their assistance throughout the program.

Additional photos and description of the event are located on this website at https://bmhga.com/2026/07/26/a-landmark-celebration-of-americas-250th-in-florissant-highlights-spanish-contributions-to-independence/

Monthly Gaming

Did you know that Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis runs an average 14 game days each month? 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week with a Monthly Game Day West and Game Day East featuring multiple presentations.  Check the calendar for details. 

There are lots of opportunities to get into a game. Don’t miss out! 

August Monthly Game Day Previews

July brings a full slate of gaming on both sides of the river, with a mix of historical depth, fast-play systems, and a bit of cinematic chaos. Whether you prefer brigade-level maneuver, naval engagements, or something a little more… toothy, there is a table waiting for you.

Game Day West

Game Day West

Saturday, August 1⋅10:00am – 4:00pm

Monthly on the first Saturday

Miniature Market – Rock Hill

9755 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, USA

Table One: MO-Miniatures’ American Civil War continues into August: as 10mm Brigade-size commands fight over Plug Hill & the Nickel Crossroads.  For four or more players, using fast-play Grand Tactics rules. Dave Schaffner GM

Table Two: : Viking Raid

RULES: Lord of the Rings(LOTR) rules: 28mm with some Pillage rules thrown into the mix. Anglo Saxons vs Danes. Danes arrive on long ships. And so it begins… Frank Copeland GM

Table Three:  War Master Patrick Connaughton GM

Game Day East

Game Day East

Sunday, August 16⋅12:00 – 4:00pm

Monthly on the third Sunday

Impact Gaming Center

49 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, USA

Dave Murvihill 

Battle of Bakstaej Pass

Home Rules

Orcs and dwarves fight (again) for the only way down the

mountainside..

Dennis Hill (possible)

Speed Circuit F1 Racing

Speed Circuit 

🎲

 Facebook

Although we rely heavily on our website and emails to get out information to the members of our gaming community Facebook remains a critical means of communication for us as we post upcoming events and game reports. It is also a great source of hobby ideas, free rules, terrain building tips, painting advice and community for table top gamers of all ilks. 

We have found that such groups as as Historical Wargaming Miniatures, Super Cheap Wargaming, Naval Wargaming, The Official Wings of Glory, Central Illinois Tabletop Warriors, S.A.G.A. and more show the range of content available to players today.

In a hobby built on shared imagination, these pages function as modern gaming tables—places where ideas are tested, armies are shown off, and the next game is always being planned

Shameless Plug Department

Taking a turn of the phrase from “Click and Clack The Car Guys”, we have for this month added our Shameless Plug Department to tell you about a new game from the Domino Tracks Company. 

Travel Bug

The Travel Bug Card Game is a fun way to navigate the highs and lows of travel while booking various destinations. The player with the most points wins!

On their adventure, players will discover:

Travel delays happen. How we handle them impacts our experience.

  • Some destinations are more complicated to get to than others.
  • No matter what the destination, there’s something to learn. 

Playing a bit like the classic racing game “Mille Bournes” the French auto racing card game. “Travel Bug” offers a fast playing and fun game to fill an interlude in our schedule, play with family and friends or perhaps find it’s way into a stocking come the holiday season. 

It is more than just a fun game as the website supporting this effort also includes lesson plans and outlines for use with the younger folks to add in a bit of learning. 

Take a look at it on the website: https://domino-tracks.com/travelbugcardgame/

Ask Mark Johnson for a demo at our August Game Day West, Tuesday Night Gaming and our Semi Regular Retirees Game. 

Upcoming Conventions / Events

Game Nite’s Gamer Garage Sale

Saturday, September 12·10:00am – 2:00pm

8380 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

September 12th, from 10:00am until 2:00pm, come on by and see what hidden gems you can find. If you are interested in purchasing a table to sell with us, please contact the store, but there is never a charge for shopping.  

Fractured Realms Fest

September 12th & 13th 2026
1420 Moss Ave. Peoria, IL

 fracturedrealms@proton.me 

Fall-Con 2026 

September 25-27, 2026

Oakley-Lindsay Center

Quincy, IL 

Contact: QuincyFallcon@gmail.com

Archon 49

October 2nd – 4th, 2026

Doors open at 9AM

Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, Illinois, USA

gaming@archonstl.org

Reindeer Wars 2026

We are pleased to announce that Reindeer Wars 2026 planning is underway. The locations are set and we are looking to expand with different ideas, some multi session and mullet location game days in the mix.  

Expect to see some old holiday favorites and some new scenarios this year.

Saturday 12/26: Reindeer Wars – Game Nite Bolt Action Tournament

Sunday 12/27: Reindeer Wars – Game Nite Bolt Action Tournament

Sunday 12/27: Reindeer Wars – Impact Gaming Center Combined with Game Day East

Monday 12/28: Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Rock Hill

Tuesday 12/29: Reindeer Wars – Game Nite Combined with Tuesday Night Gaming

Wednesday 12/30: Reindeer Wars – Fantasy Books & Games Combined with Wednesday Night Gaming

Thursday 12/31: Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Cave Springs Combined with our Semi Regular Retirees Game

Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance Name Tags

We have received the test run of our new group name badges and they look very good. Those interested in ordering one contact info@bmhga.com You can estimate the price to be around $15.00 each. If we get a discount on the order it will be passed along.

Weekly Gaming E-Update

To receive the weekly gaming update email info@bmhga.com.
Public events may be submitted for inclusion.

2026 Gaming Calendar

August 2026

08/01: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am08/04: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/05: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/06: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am08/11: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/12: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/13: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am08/16: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm08/18: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/19: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/20: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am08/25: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/26: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/27: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am

September 2026

09/01: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm09/02: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm09/03: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am09/05: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am09/08: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm09/09: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm09/10: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
09/12: Gamer Garage Sale – Game Nite 10am

09/15: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm09/16: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm09/17: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am09/20: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm09/22: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm09/23: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm09/24: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am09/29: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm09/30: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm

October 2026 Gaming Calendar

10/01: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
10/03: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am
10/06: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
10/07: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
10/08: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
10/13: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
10/14: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
10/15: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
10/18: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm
10/20: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
10/21: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
10/22: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
10/27: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
10/28: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
10/29: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am

For all of the above events listed remember that you do not need to bring along anything to play as all items necessary will be on the table and ready to go.

Suggestions/Ideas/Articles? 

If you have any suggestions for 

Dispatches of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis 

our Reddit Page, Facebook Page, Website or know of someone who would like to be included in our email listings please feel free to let us know.Just email info@bmhga.com

To have your event listed please email

Info@bmhga.com 

no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event

While we strive to be as accurate as is possible all events listed are subject to last minute changes, substitutions and/or cancellations.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming 

Alliance – St. Louis 

***OFFICIAL NOTICES***

 Vice President James Kantor Not Seeking Re-Election

For many years, James Kantor has been a steady and valued part of our leadership, serving with dedication as Vice President and helping guide our organization with wisdom, patience, and good humor. His commitment, time, and thoughtful contributions have made a lasting difference, and his presence will be missed in that role.

As James steps down due to continuing job conflicts, we want to express our sincere appreciation for everything he has done. Balancing professional responsibilities with service to the group is never easy, and his willingness to give so much of himself over the years speaks volumes about his character and dedication.

James has been more than an officer; he has been a trusted colleague, a dependable voice, and a supportive friend to many. We are grateful for his leadership and the example he has set through his service.

We also look forward to seeing James across the game tables whenever he is able to join us in the future. His continued presence in our gaming community will always be welcome.

Please join us in thanking James Kantor for his many years of commitment and in wishing him continued success in all that lies ahead.

Board Elections 2026

Four-Year Terms Announced Candidates 

  • Vice President – Tom Vielott 
  • Treasurer – Bill Doelling (Incumbent)

Two-Year Term

  • Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)

Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to Director@bmhga.com

###

After Action Reports

Our After Action Reports are now be posted at our Website: WWW.BMHGA.ComCheck there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.

Reddit

We are now on Reddit at 

r/BigMuddyHGA

Website, Facebook Page & Reddit

Are the places to check for the latest updates & news in our area.

Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis (BMHGA) strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby in the St. Louis Metro Area “By demonstration, presentations at conventions, schools. libraries, and other events, where the theme includes military or gaming.

For further information email: info@bmhga.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 128 MB. You can upload: image, audio, document, spreadsheet, interactive, text, archive. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here