By Paula Weinman | Echo
Hartford City will be hosting its annual Civil War Days event this weekend, a commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the historic battle, which was one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. Hartford City's reenactment is one of the largest reenactments in the state of Indiana.
The event will be celebrating its 24th year and will feature a reenactment of key moments in the battle of Gettysburg, food, seminars, and an artillery showcase. Orville Uggen, one of the event's key organizers, suggests that families-especially those with kids-visit on Friday, Oct. 11.
"Kids will be able to come watch presentations that last about fifteen minutes. We have all kinds of people coming in, like spinners, weavers, blacksmiths, and so on," Uggen said. "We also have plenty of food vendors on location."
Food vendors typically range from the historic (including a Civil War era saloon, where visitors can sample root beer, pickles and beef jerky) to the more commercial. Because it's a large event, Uggen said that vendors continue to participate in the Civil War Days Weekend. On the morning of Oct. 12, the event will pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in this and other battles at the Courthouse Civil War Monument.
"The tribute will feature the living descendants of these soldiers," Uggen said. The ceremony will be followed by artillery and battalion drills, as well as a recitation of the Gettysburg Address. Saturday, Oct. 12 will conclude with a demonstration of artillery night fire, which will give visitors a chance to see the Civil War weapons in action-under the cover of the night sky.
Sunday, Oct. 13 will feature more presentations (including a presentation of Civil War Era fashions), a church service, and picket drills. Although the amount of information and activities could be overwhelming, Uggen encourages the visitors to approach re-enactors. "You can ask them questions-they'll stop and talk to you if you want."
Tickets can be purchased on site. Adults (ages 13 and older) cost $7, seniors cost $6, students ages 5-12 are $5 and kids ages 4 and under are free. For more information, visit the Civil War Days website or their Facebook page.
