“This is a living history event,” said John C. Perry, event organizer. “Temple was not founded until well after the war, but the goal is to show students and spectators how a battle was fought and not to depict a specific battle.”
The city of Temple and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Camp 1250 of Temple have joined together to bring in the area’s first Civil War demonstration this weekend.
“It’s clear that when people come out this weekend, they are going to be stepping back in time. It’s like witnessing history first-hand,” said Nancy Glover, tourism marketing coordinator for Temple Parks and Leisure Services.
Battles will be Saturday and Sunday in the field immediately east of Performance Food Group at 4141 Lucius McCelvey Drive. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children younger than 12, and free for children younger than 3 years of age. Active duty military or dependents with a military ID will be admitted free on Saturday.
The event begins on Friday with Living History Day sponsored by the Temple Rotary Club South.
More than 400 students are scheduled to attend the event. They will see demonstrations on medical care, music, cooking, sewing, how to load a period musket and blacksmithing, Perry said.
“Students will get to see, hear and touch history,” Perry said. “The reenactors are very keen on authenticity; there will be a timeline, where everything in the timeline will be as if it was in the 1860s.”
In addition to the educational value, the demonstration will also bring a lot of people to Temple.
“The reenactors and their families are from all across Texas and beyond,” Perry said. “Spectators from throughout the area will also be coming to Temple to view the event.”
Besides the battles, spectators will also get a chance to see history come alive on Saturday and Sunday with events like the presentations of the colors, officers roll call, a cavalry competition and military surgeon demonstration.
As for who wins the Battle of Temple Junction, audience members will have to show up and find out for themselves.
“The reenactors plan the outcome of the battle prior to taking the field,” Ms. Glover said. “None of the spectators know who will win the battle until its over. You just have to come and watch.”
Event organizers are interested in registering people to participate in the event, including serving as United States and Confederate States Artillery, dismounted cavalry, cavalry, infantry, medical; engineers, sutlers, balloonist and period civilians. The participation fee is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and 3 and younger are free.
For information, visit www.discovertemple.com or call 298-5379.
SCHEDULE
May 15
8 a.m.: Registration
10 a.m.: Living History Day for area students
May 16
7 a.m.: Reveille
9 a.m.: Presentation of the colors, formation and inspection
9:30 a.m.: Officers call
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: 1
11 a.m.: Ladies social
2 to 3 p.m.: Battle
3 to 3:30 p.m.: Military surgeon demonstrations
3 p.m.: Meet and greet
5 to 5:30 p.m.: Strike the colors
5:30-7:30 p.m.: Evening social
May 17
7 a.m.: Reveille
9 a.m.: Presentation of colors
9:30 a.m.: Officers call
10:30 a.m. to noon: Church
1 to 2 p.m.: Battle
2 to 2:30 p.m.: Military surgeon demonstrations
3 p.m.: Retire the colors
