With thundering cannons and blazing muskets, The Civil War Revisited returns to the central Valley on Oct. 27-28.

One of the largest annual history events on the West Coast, The Civil War Revisited, a battle reenactment, aims towards education and entertainment.

Kearney Park will host the Fresno City and County Historical Society sponsored reenactment.

The battles are planned to occur at 1 and 4:30 P.M. on Oct. 27, and 11 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. on Oct. 28. Tickets for the show cost $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and $4 for students arriving by bus.

Civil War enthusiasts travel from all over the state to reenact
The Battle of Cedar Creek. They wear historically correct uniforms and use accurate weapons during the battle, offering visitors a lifelike experience of a true Civil War battle.

Guests are free to interact with the vendors, who attempt to remain completely in character throughout the reenactment.

?There are so many small details of this period that are not represented in our history books,? Jon Hall, history teacher, said. ?It allows us to actually see first hand what it was like to live during that time.?

Hall appreciates the time and effort those involved in the reenactment offer, including the historical authenticity they offer.

“It is amazing to see all of the time, practice and resources put into the production of such an accurate portrayal of the Civil War,” Hall said.

Hundreds of soldiers wearing grey or blue uniforms fight against each other, portraying a battle from one of the bloodiest wars in America’s history. The loud explosions from replica artillery cannons and guns provide realism throughout the battle.

?I loved going to the Civil War Reenactment,? Ryan Aydelotte, ?10, said. ?I learned about how our country won the south back.?

According to some students, the loud explosions of the guns and cannons often intimidate the crowd.

“The guns and explosions were way too loud,” Kristina Logan, ?10, said. ?It sort of ruined the experience for me.?

This year?s Academic Decathlon (Acadec) team will attend the reenactment to help learn about the Civil War and to increase their understanding of the time period.

?I want to go because I enjoy learning about the Civil War,? Michael Bowen, ?08, said. ?I am also learning about infectious diseases in Acadec, so I am going to talk to the doctors there to learn about the infectious diseases during that time period.”

This year, patrons are also invited to Camp Night on Oct. 27, which allows attendees the chance to eat a camp dinner similar to true Civil War soldiers. The tickets for Camp Night start at $40 for adults and $20 for children.

A step up from the Soldiers Dinner is the General’s Meal, which provides the chance for patrons to dine like a Civil War general, with their own campsite, campfire dinner and a Camp Night souvenir. Tickets for this dinner costs $175 per person.

Tickets for Camp Night can be purchased online, while tickets for the reenactment are available at the front gate. For a map to Kearney Park click here.

For more information about last year?s event visit Suzanna Quiring?s Oct. 2006, article, Civil War Revisits Battle of the Carolinas.