Civil War Days set Oct. 12-14

Becky Meadows

Civil War Days will be held at Columbus-Belmont State Park in Columbus Oct. 12 - 14.

There will be demonstrations of camp life, soldier instruction, period dance, and cannon firing.

Education Day will be Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. to provide a closer look at the events during the Civil War.

Schools, groups, and clubs are encouraged to participate in the History Tours beginning at the registration tent. Guests are invited to an interactive tour of the Park and to enjoy historic interpretation of the Civil War by visiting the Museum and talking with reenactors.

The opening ceremony will be held at Shelter A-Scenic Overlook at 5 p.m. Oct. 12.

First Community Bank of the Heartland will host a community picnic with free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks.

Clinton Bank will provide apples, caramel, and cotton candy for visitors.

Trail mix and balloons will be available compliments of River Valley Ag.

The ceremony will include opening remarks by Hickman County Judge Executive Kenny Wilson and a musical performance by the 52nd Regimental String Band.

The opening ceremony will conclude with an explosive display of cannon volleys.

A Ghost Walk will be held in the Confederate Trenches at the conclusion of the cannon volleys (near Shelter B, left of Snack Shop).

On Oct 13 Civil War Camps, Sutlers Shops, and Civil War Museum will open at 9 a.m.

The History Mobile will be onsite and at 10 a.m. apple cider and cookies will be provided by the Citizens Deposit Bank of Arlington and Bardwell.

Discover the Trail of Tears, Forts, Redoubt, Historic and Nature Trails through history tours beginning at the log shelter in the parking lot from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Visitors may enjoy refreshments and time with special guests at the Ladies Tea will be held at 11 a.m. in the Conference Center.

There will be pre-battle music and commentary at the battlefield beginning at 1:30 p.m. followed by the Civil War Skirmish at 2 p.m.

The Berryhills will perform after the battle.
At 7:30 p.m. the Beautiful Belle and Handsome Gent contest will be held and immediately followed by the Civil War Ball at 8 p.m.

Visitors may enjoy music and dance instruction by the 52nd Regimental String Band. During Intermission the Best Beard and Scraggly Beard Contest will be held. Park Gates will close at 11 p.m.

The Period Worship Service will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Shelter A-Scenic Overlook Oct. 14.

Camps, Sutlers Shops, and the Museum will open from 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. in the Columbus Cemetery and History Tours at the log shelter in the parking lot will begin at 12 p.m.

Pre-battle music and commentary will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the battlefield and the Civil War Skirmish will be held at 2 p.m.
There will be a musical performance on the museum porch following the battle.