Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Living History Festival set for Big Spring Park



— What was it like to live in Athens during the Civil War? How was life for soldiers inside a Confederate encampment? An event scheduled later this month is designed to help answer those questions.


What is being called a free, family-friendly, educational Living History Festival will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, in Athens' Big Spring Memorial Park.


It is presented by the Athens-Limestone County War for Southern Independence Sesquicentennial Committee, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Council and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Hobbs Camp No. 768.


The event features a working Confederate encampment by the SCV; demonstrations of period activities on the home front including blacksmithing, chair caning, and basket weaving; and food from carnival fair to down home "vittles."


There will also be long-rifle demonstrations and fun activities for kids, including sack races.


Limestone County Archivists will be on hand to provide guidance at genealogy stations to help families trace their roots through soldiers and sailors.


Four different signed and numbered prints — "Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle," "Hobbs' Farewell," "Battle of Athens," and "Fort Henderson" — by artist Lyn Stone will be for sale, featuring historic events in Athens-Limestone County.


Community attractions and historic buildings will be open and available for tours the day of the festival including the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, Donnell House, former Alabama Governor George S. Houston home, now the Houston Library and Museum, and Athens State University.


For more information, visit the Athens Visitors Center at 100 N. Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411 or 256-867-1438.  Visit their website at www.visitathensal.com.
Source:  Athens News Courier

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