Yankees, Rebels to converge on local park

PRINCETON — The Yankees are coming. And so are the Rebels as the 22nd Shadows of the Blue and Gray comes to Princeton Saturday, Oct. 12, and Sunday, Oct. 13.

Civil War fans can spend the weekend immersed in the 1860s as re-enactors from all over the country converge on City-County Park in Prince­ton for the yearly festival.

The weekend will feature battle re-enactments, storytelling, an old-fashioned candlelit dance, and period artisans making candles, brooms, clothes and more.

One of the highlights of the battle segment is a makeshift field hospital where spectators can watch soldiers being treated for battle wounds.

“We invite everyone to fall back into history, meet with President Lincoln and his wife, Mary, talk with General Grant and many other soldiers and civilians who will portray everyday life during the American Civil War,” Edd Robinson, one of the event’s organizers and biggest supporters, said.

“The men and women who will be a part of both the civilian and military re-enactment are all well-studied in this period of history, and willing to talk with people about a very pivotal time in our American history, both nationally but on the home front as well,” Robinson said.

“So if you have questions, feel free to stop and ask the people while they go about their duties and chores. There will be many activities for the whole family to enjoy in City-County Park under the tall oak trees, including period music, kids’ scavenger hunts and more.”

For those interested in participating in the battle re-enactment, Shadows of the Blue and Gray is offering bounties for artillery and calvary units that take the field. Infantry will receive rifle caps. Artillery will receive powder and money, as well as bounty for each horse that takes the field.

Saturday is a free dinner for all re-enactors that register, and an on-site ball with period music will take place. Straw, hay, firewood and water will be available as well.

Admission is $5. Children 5 and under are admitted free, and military personnel are admitted free with ID.

Shadows of the Blue and Gray schedule of events

All programs are in City-County Park’s main shelter unless noted.

Children’s Civil War scavenger hunts are both days.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

• 9 a.m. — Park opens; tour the camps and artisan workshops; Civil War weapons display.

• 9:30 a.m. — Meet General Ulysses S. Grant, USA.

• 10:30 a.m. — History of the 20th Indiana, One Regiment’s View of the War in the East.

• 11 a.m. — Individual Unit Drill (battlefield).

• 11:30 a.m. — “Letters Home,” Larkin Moon, 26th North Carolina.

• 12:30 p.m. — Entrance of President Lincoln.

• 12:45 p.m. — Presidential address and press conference.

• 1:30 p.m. — Tank and the Beez (music); The Civil War: Did You Know? kids program (Tall Trees Stage).

• 2:30 p.m. — Bugle demonstration (battlefield).

• 3 p.m. — Battle re-enactment (main field).

• 4 p.m. — Post battle medical demonstrations at the medical tents.

• 7 p.m. — Evening tours and education programs. Cannon night fire (weather permitting). The public is welcome to participate, whether dressed or not. Come and join in the fun. Free admission into the park for dance starting at 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13

• 9 a.m. — Park opens; tour the camps and artisan workshops; Civil War weapons display; non-denominational period church service.

• 9:45 a.m. — History of the 20th Indiana, One Regiment’s View of the War in the East.

• 10:45 a.m. — “Letters Home,” Larkin Moon, 26th North Carolina.

• 11 a.m. — Individual Unit Drill (battlefield).

• 11:45 a.m. — Entrance of President and Mrs. Lincoln, presidential address and press conference.

• 12:30 p.m. —Meet General Ulysses S. Grant, USA.

• 1:15 p.m. — Tank and the Beez (music).

• 1:45 p.m. — Bugle demonstration (battlefield).

• 2 p.m. — Battle re-enactment (main field).

• 3 p.m. — The Civil War: Did You Know? kids program (Tall Trees Stage); post battle medical demonstrations at the medical tents.

• 4 p.m. — Park closes.