Slide Show: Columbus-Belmont Park Civil War Days
By WestKyStar Staff
PADUCAH, KY - The Annual Civil War Days event at Columbus-Belmont State Park took place over the weekend. The weekend included battle re-enactments, history and museum tours, soldier camps, entertainment, food and more.
The three-day event began with an Education Day on Friday. Students, Scouts and groups visited and took a closer look at our history by taking a step back in time.
The opening ceremony was Friday evening with entertainment provided by Rick Revel of Henry, Tenn. Cannons fired from the bluffs to end the ceremony, then there was a "ghost walk" through the dark Confederate earthworks, with lanterns lighting the way.
Special guest Robert Bell portrayed the Rev. Newton Bush of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Cavalry. This Kentucky Chautauqua program was sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council.
The Civil War Ball on Saturday night featured music and dance instruction. The band for the evening was The 52nd Regimental String Band.
Shoppers enjoyed "Sutler Row" where there were tents set up with clothing and accessories. There was a Beautiful Belle and Handsome Gent contest before the dance and a Best Beard and Scraggly Beard contest during intermission.
Sunday began with a morning service as well as a memorial service in Columbus Cemetery.
The battles were at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. They featured guns firing, cannons blasting, horses running, and tents burning.
The Civil War Days event was co-sponsored by Columbus-Belmont State Park, the Hickman County judge-executive's office and Hickman County Fiscal Court. The park is located in far western Kentucky at the junction of highways 58, 80, and 123.