Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment coming to Lake Pittsfield June 1, 2
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
David Camphouse/Pike Press
The 22nd Annual Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment will be held June1 and 2. The event portrays Civil War combat, as well as cultural aspects of American society during the Civil War era. Reenactors include those portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln, as well as prominent Civil War generals.
The 22nd Annual Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment will be held June1 and 2 at Lake Pittsfield.
The event is designed by organizers to serve as a living history weekend for the whole family, featuring Union and Confederate artillery, cavalry, infantry, naval and civilian encampments.
The event attracts hundreds of reenactors from several states.
In addition to the battle reenactment, aspects of daily life during the Civil War era are also portrayed during the reenactment weekend – with period music by folk singer Chris Vallillo, the 10th Illinois Cavalry Band and a string band; the Ladies & Gentlemen’s Fashion Show & Lemonade Party; period church service, food and sutlers(vendors).
Additional programs include the Soldier’s Aide Society, Civil War medicine and a magic show.
Reenactors dressed as President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, General U S Grant and General Robert E. Lee will also be present.
A Civil War Dance will be held Saturday evening.
Pittsfield Mayor Gary Mendenhall has previously spoken about the reenactment’s importance to the area. Mendenhall said that the reenactment is an important educational event for Pittsfield and Pike County.
“Of course, it’s a great learning experience to see how the Civil War was actually fought,” Mendenhall said. “You can see the equipment, the dress – how they did things in that day and age.”
Just as important as the educational element of the reenactment, according to Mendenhall, is the economic impact that Lincoln Days has on the local economy.
“Economically, there are a number of visitors it brings to town – not just the people watching the reenactment, but the reenactors themselves,” Mendenhall said. “I’m told the reenactors usually get to town Friday and buy groceries, and the women like to visit Casteel’s and the other shops around the square.”
According to event organizers, reenactors traveled to Pittsfield from states throughout the Midwest and South to participate in the 20th Lincoln Days.
“We regularly have reenactors from Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee, and Arkansas,” long-serving Abe Lincoln Project/Looking for Lincoln in Pike County committee member Bob Norris had said about a prior year’s reenactment.
Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment is sponsored by The Abe Lincoln Project/Looking for Lincoln in Pike County and the City of Pittsfield.
For more information, visit: https://www.pikelincoln.com/lincoln-days/lincoln-days-schedule/ or https://www.facebook.com/PittsfieldLincolnDays/.
