Gardnerville Old Town Days revisits Civil War

Old Town Days will return to Gardnerville Oct. 7-8 in Heritage Park. Throughout the weekend visitors can experience Civil War living history camps and view how the Confederates and the Union survived during the 1860s.

On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and dusk, and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. you can experience the American Civil War. This re-enactment of the past is done in lively and entertaining vignettes, through which individuals families can discover and learn more about America's history and the people who lived it.

Additional Saturday festivities include breakfast from 7-10 a.m. by the Lions Club for $5 per person, Borges Carriage hayrides and Brockfield pony rides. From 2-5 p.m. the Lions Club will be offering a barbecue for $6, and David John and the Comstock Cowboys will perform that afternoon starting at 3 p.m. at the Heritage Park pavilion. Starting at 8 p.m., a Civil War ball/dance will be held at Sharkey's Casino, free to the public. Be sure to dress in costume.

Sunday activities kick off with a non-denominational 1860s church service with festivities continuing throughout the day including a high noon ladies' tea at the Union Camp - lady Confederates are welcome to join in for tea.

The first Gardnerville Civil War re-enactment occurred two years ago in celebration of Gardnerville's 125-year anniversary. The American Civil War, fought between 1861-1865, was a vital part of the history of the United States.

The re-enactment provides viewers with a journey back in time and allows them to experience life as a soldier of the American Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate Brigades are re-creations of actual military regiments and companies that fought in the American Civil War. The Civilian Corps reveals the challenges displaced women and children faced, as well as the medical and support roles people played on both sides of the war.

For a complete schedule of re-enactment festivities or to reserve booth space for craft, antique or food vending, go online to www.gardnerville-nv.gov or call the Town of Gardnerville at 782-7134.