A water balloon battle of historic proportions set for Friday in Columbia

If you’ve struggled to understand military strategies employed in battles in the past, Historic Columbia may have a way to help you get it.

And if not, the event features beer, wine and water balloons. So who cares?

Historic Columbia’s second Happy Hour Water Balloon Battle is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 on the grounds of the Robert Mills House and Gardens.

Led by active drill sergeants, participants will break into two teams and use more than 1,700 water balloons to recreate epic battles throughout history. Focusing on the evolution of military strategies, participants will learn and incorporate tactics from three different time periods – ranging from rigid formations in the Revolutionary War, to trench warfare in World War I, to guerrilla warfare in the Vietnam and Korean wars.

During and after the battle, participants can relax and recharge with beer, wine and light refreshments.

“It was one of our most exciting events last year,” said James Quint, Historic Columbia’s director of education. “We are always looking for unique ways to bring history to life through experiential, hands-on programming. What better way to learn about military tactics than to battle it out with more that 1,700 water balloons on the grounds of a historic site?”

And what could be better than reliving a bit of childhood fun?

“There are numerous benefits for adults to participate in childlike play,” said Bryan Fox, manager of the Adolescent Recovery Center at Palmetto Health. “Play tends to have the same effects on adults as it does children – lowers stress, fosters connections with others, promotes creativity and, in general, increases happiness.”

So aside from the military education component, there are a few other reasons joining in this water balloon battle could be good for you. Dr. Kimberly Kruse, a neuropsychologist at Palmetto Health, offers a few:

It can improve your physical health. “It is important to get out and be active in order to foster energy and vitality,” Kruse said. “Sitting and scanning some type of screen has become commonplace in our society and culture. Many of us remain sedentary all day at work on our computers and then return home to watch TV or browse our devices. Despite well-known research that regular participation in physical activity reduces risk of various illnesses, it is often negated.”

It can lift your libido. “Couples who play together, stay together,” Kruse said. “We all have commitments … however, healthy relationships also demand commitment and attention. Develop a playful state of mind, and bring on the intimacy!”

It can help your brain function. “What is good for the body is good for the brain,” Kruse said. “Physicality and goal-oriented play will boost creativity and mental adeptness.”

You can de-stress. “Engaging in silliness and fun is one way to decrease cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, while releasing endorphins, our natural feel-good chemicals,” Kruse said. While cortisol is a crucial component of overall health, sustained high levels of cortisol can be bad.　　

THE VIBE: This is a great way to kick off your weekend. Not only is there a bit of a history lesson, but it’s hard to go wrong with food, drink and a water balloon fight among friends and strangers.

THE VERDICT: If history had been this fun in college, we would have majored in it. It’s definitely an event we’d recommend.