Lombard re-enactment blasts visitors with Civil War history
Lombard residents may experience a little blast from the past this weekend when Lombard Historical Society hosts its eighth annual Civil War re-enactment.
The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, at Four Seasons Park, Finley Road and 16th Street, Lombard.
The re-enactment will feature Civil War battles with a commentator explaining different battle strategies. The battles, which begin at 2:30 p.m. both days, will include a 19th century-style cavalry and navy. The event also will showcase a skirmish between the North and South at 11:30 a.m. both days.
Lombard Historical Society Executive Director Sarah Richardt said the re-enactment will not show any actual deaths. Instead, actors remain upright and sitting as a way for people to know they're not actually in distress while performing in the heat.
Abraham Lincoln will visit the main tent at 1:30 p.m. each day, and visitors can see a blacksmith at work, visit the sutlers for a little shopping, hear period music by the 1st Brigade Band at 2 p.m. Saturday, and even learn dances from the era in lessons offered at noon Sunday. Lombard's Miller's Ale House will provide concessions.
Then from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, people can trade their guns for dancing shoes at the Civil War Ball, featuring a performance by the 1st Brigade Band, at Glen Westlake Middle School, 1514 S. Main St., Lombard. Civil War attire is encouraged, but not required.
Richardt said she's most excited for the performances by the 1st Brigade Band.
"They're very, very good, and they play all over the country and played on national TV and do a lot of very big events," Richardt said.
"For them to come to (the) Lombard Civil War re-enactment, I'm so happy that they have put us in their schedule for the second year in a row."
Richardt said she hopes people come to the event and learn a little more about American history, and also learn about the fun that comes with history and storytelling.
"There are so many people who have no idea about the world around them, and it's fun to share," Richardt said. "People think we're so much different now. We are not different now, we just have electricity."
Admission is a suggested donation of $5 to the Lombard Historical Society. For information, visit lombardhistory.org.