Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Tourism Director Kirk Brandenberger says the sesquicentennial has more people interested in the history of the U.S. Civil War.
He says Keokuk is taking advantage of that with its 24th annual Civil War reenactment.
Brandenberger says the two battles to be reenacted this year both took place in 1861. He says they also included Iowa soldiers.
The Battle of Belmont will take place at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday. The Battle of Wilson's Creek will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday.
Brandenberger says the battles will now rotate for the next five years, including this year, to commemorate the U.S. Civil War.
He says if the weather cooperates, a crowd of 10,000-15,000 is expected over the two days.
Brandenberger says many of the crowd favorites return this year: Spouse Calling Contest, Ladies' Skillet Throwing Contest, and Saturday night's Military Ball.
He says there will be a couple of new events.
President and Mrs. Lincoln will present their thoughts on the pending war at noon on Saturday in Rand Park. General and Mrs. U.S. Grant will do the same at 12:30 P.M. on Sunday in Rand Park.
Partial List of Events
Saturday
9:00 A.M. - Lee County Veteran's Project Ceremony (Oakland Cemetery)
10:00 A.M. - Troops Tactical Maneuver Competition (Rand Park Battlefield)
11:00 A.M. - Spouse Calling Contest (Rand Park Pavilion)
11:00 A.M. - Ladies' Skillet Throwing Contest (Rand Park Pavilion)
12:00 P.M. - President & Mrs. Lincoln Presentation (Rand Park Pavilion)
3:00 P.M. - Battle of Belmont (Rand Park Battlefield)
7:30 P.M. - Military Ball (Keokuk Catholic School Gym)
Sunday
7:00 A.M. - Breakfast with the Troops
9:30 A.M. - Memorial and Church Service (Keokuk National Cemetery)
12:30 P.M. - General & Mrs. U.S. Grant Presentation (Rand Park Pavilion)
2:00 P.M. - March to the Battlefield
2:30 P.M. - Battle of Wilson's Creek (Rand Park Battlefield)
4:00 P.M. - Camps Close