MIDDLETOWN >> The blue and gray are at it again. Well, there will at least be vivid reenactments of the real war that devastated almost half of the continental United States between April 1861 and April 1865. It had been contentious times in America for decades before, with the population divided between abolitionist and pro-slavery sentiments, and heated rivalry for control of Congress by the opposing factions.
This June 24 and 25 more than 250 members of the American Civil War Association will gather on the fields behind the Middletown Mansion Event Center to recreate four of the battles of that conflict. It is hoped, although not yet confirmed, that at least one cavalry unit will join the show of cannon, muskets, rifles and the varied uniforms of the Union and Confederacy forces.
Between those battles, guests may go onto the battlefield to examine the weapons and chat with the participants. These men, old and young, and a few women, are remarkably well informed about the armaments and munitions, about the authenticity of their uniforms and equipment, and about the war itself.
Apart from the black smoke powder and tumult, there will be plenty to enjoy. Lake County’s popular women’s a capella group, My Divas, will open the entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. Word is that the ladies, dressed in mid-19th century outfits, may also burst into song from time to time amidst the lush greenery of the mansion grounds.
David Neft, a favorite entertainer in many Lake County venues for the past couple of decades, will play Saturday afternoon. The engaging duo of Don Coffin on guitar and Andi Skelton with her fiddle will play Sunday afternoon.
Twice on Saturday, once on Sunday, Forest Service archeologist Barbara White will offer her characterization of a Civil War era lady struggling into proper antebellum dress with all its cumbersome underpinnings. White has been performing for about twenty years and the applause keeps escalating.
Several of the area’s favorite restaurateurs will be on hand vending assorted casual outdoor foods, and soft drinks, beer and wine will also be available.
The entire affair is a fundraiser to help support ongoing work on local history and displays at Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. Sponsorships are available to help the cause and will be rewarded with promotional displays at the event. (Call Voris at 295-7174 or Davis at 495-4811.)
Tickets are now on sale at 13 venues: all three Lake County museums, in Lakeport, Lower Lake and Middletown, and at Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum in Kelseyville; at the Chambers of Commerce in Lakeport and Clearlake; at all three Country Air Realty offices in Lakeport, Clearlake Riviera and Cobb; at Mountain High coffee shops in Cobb and Hidden Valley Lake; at the Lower Lake Coffee Shop and at 2 Women Traders in Middletown. Advance sales prices are $12 adult, $10 senior, $5 Youth, under 6 free.
A schedule of events is available, and tickets may be purchased online via Paypal or credit card, at www.friendsofgibson.com.
