MANSFIELD — The still quiet of north central Ohio in May will be shattered by cannon fire this weekend at the 42nd annual Ohio Civil War Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
Show times are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Admission is $7. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is included in the cost of admission.
Organizers said 380 exhibitors from 38 states will participate in Ohio’s only Civil War And WWI & II show.
The show features 750 tables of military memorabilia from 1775 through 1945 for buy, sell, trade and display making it the largest quality show of its kind in the country.
In addition, related items such as books, images, photographs, paper goods, Civil War prints and some women’s apparel will be available to the public and collectors.
In conjunction with the military show, the 27th annual artillery show will feature full-size cannons, limbers, caisson, Gatling guns and mortars. This is the only artillery Show of this kind in the country where persons can view field guns, equipment and displays that relate to America’s wars from 1775 through 1945.
As an added feature, people will have a rare opportunity to see cannon firings demonstrations on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The 90th U.S. Infantry and 100th Jäger German nit will fire on Saturday at 4:45 pm.
This year’s show will feature a 1776 Revolutionary War Living History Encampment by the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, who will perform drills, musket firing, colonial period camp cooking, and also showing and explaining various period military attire and other demonstrations.Â
Another feature of the show will be a Civil War Field Hospital Scenario with simulated limb amputations and medical practices of the Civil War. Along with this, there will be a Living History Civil War Encampment, depicting military life.
Other outdoor features include period music by harp/dulcimer, banjo/violins. A Sutler’s Row, featuring 40 sutlers, will have available reproduction items and apparel for both the military and civilian re-enactors.
A Living History Encampment by the Army of Ohio will have their authentic camp open to the public and will be performing military drills, firing demonstrations and marches through the grounds daily at random times.
The Marlboro Volunteer Traveling Museum will offer a spectacular display of history from Revolutionary War up to current times, including military vehicles. You can talk with weterans and living historians.
There will be an outdoor church service for re-enactors, exhibitors and public on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the flagpole.
President Abe Lincoln will attend the show on both Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to hear his Gettysburg Address.
A most requested feature for this year will be music performances by the Camp Chase Fife and Drum Corps.
Mark your calendars and take time to Step Back In Time!
For more information, visit the show website at www.ohiocivilwarshow.com
