This wonderful civil war reenactment event, hosted by the 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry, will take place all day Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7th, 2014, in the hills surrounding Canisteo NY on 600 acres of beautiful farmland featuring gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. The 21st Georgia, and all the reenactment groups attending, hope to teach the general public about one of the most tumultuous times in our country’s history while also creating a fun filled memorable weekend. The event will start the morning of Friday June 6th when the site will fill with over 525 school children from many local schools including Hornell, Dansville, Canaseraga, Canisteo-Greenwood, Alfred-Almond as well as home schooled groups. Almost 100 volunteers will host 22 stations intended to teach a variety of topics pertaining to the civil war. A few examples of these stations include infantry drill, musket loading and firing, music from the war, 1860s clothing, military food, civil war medicine and surgery, haversack contents, artillery and so much more. For 4 hours the children will rotate through 11 of the stations before returning to school with a far better understanding of our nation’s most brutal war. PREREGISTRATION WITH THE 21ST GEORGIA IS REQUIRED FOR FRIDAY'S ATTENDANCE. The entire reenactment event is open to the general public all day Saturday June 7th and Sunday June 8th. Saturday evening activities, including an 1860 period dance with music provided by The Flint Hill Folk, are also open to all who wish to attend. For just $2 per person (5 and under are free), everyone can tour the camps (Union, Confederate and Civilian), watch artillery demonstrations, meet Robert E. Lee and President Jefferson Davis, hear music from the time, observe an 1860s fashion show, witness post battle injury care and surgery, view the mortician at work, be entertained while watching a live 1860s play, talk with the women from The Widows and Orphans Aid Society, learn about military discipline, Canada’s contribution to the war and military food as well as observe the battles that will erupt between the USA and CSA. Also included are activities directed at children such as a School of the Soldier, games/school from the 1860s and a kids’ battle against the 34th North Carolina Infantry. For those who enjoy camping, the event is open for dry modern camping all weekend for a fee of $25 which includes both camping and all reenactment activities. In order to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, this year’s battles will be depicting 2 smaller aspects of this horrific three day event. Saturday will feature a skirmish at 10am with a 3pm battle based on the Battle of McPherson’s Woods, from the first day of the Gettysburg’s fight. Sunday’s battle will recreate Pickett’s Charge, the last deadly Confederate assault after three days of vicious fighting, which culminated the Battle of Gettysburg.
