Hurricane’s Civil War Weekend
The 11th annual Civil War Weekend will be held at Valley Park from Thursday March 27 through Sunday the 30th. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like, here’s a little taste. I wrote this last year after attending for the first time.
Walking around the fields at Valley Park is suddenly like taking a trip back in time. You’re allowed to walk around camp, where the soldiers camp out like they would have during the Civil War. It feels like spying on people from another time, and it’s fascinating.
Cannons are set up on the battle fields, ready for war. However, I was surprised by the genteel manners of the men in uniform. I was quite pleased by the tipped hats and early morning greetings I received as I walked around. There’s nothing quite like having a man in uniform bow slightly and say, “Good morning, ma’am. And how are you this fine day?” Yep, I’ll admit it, I blushed a little!
There is a LOT to do here. You can take a ride on a horse drawn wagon. Enjoy some quiet time at the Ladies’ Tea. Attend the military ball. Watch the raising of the colors (flags), see the dress parade, attend an 1800s style church service or shop among the Sutlers. You can stay busy here!
The main draw is the battle. This is, after all, a Civil WAR reenactment. Tactical demonstrations are given in dramatic fashion. Prepare to be awed.
All of this is available with no admittance fee, but donations are warmly accepted.
Please enjoy the pictures below, which were taken by myself and my best friend Tina. Tina had the brilliant idea to take some pictures in a sepia tone and I ran with the idea. Isn’t she brilliant?
March 6th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
We have the “1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment” & “Brackett’s Battalion” of Cavalry reenactors hereabouts, and they take this very seriously–always remaining in character as Civil War soldiers. It sounds like yours do as well! Events like your Civil War Weekend bring history alive and leave a lasting impression, a great experience.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I’ve always wanted to go to that, but we’re always either out of town or the weather is nasty. Maybe this year. It looks awesome! My oldest is really interested in Civil War history.