Union infantry and navy re-enactors parade with the fife and drum corps during a previous Civil Wars Day at Heritage Village.
LARGO - More than 100 Civil War reenactors step into the future Saturday, May 17, at a free daylong event featuring military and homefront activities at Heritage Village in Largo.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Civil War Days featuring the 25th Annual Heritage Village Skirmish will bring memories of the 1860s to life at the 21-acre living history museum.
New event parking is planned off 119th Street, between Ulmerton and Walsingham roads, and a free shuttle offered. The U.S.S. Ottawa and the U.S.S. Ft. Henry are hosting this event.
Visitors can rub shoulders with costumed reenactors traveling through the Village ready to share insider information about uniforms and gear, their units and battles faced during the Civil War.
Games, music and military drills true to the time also take place. Visitors will enjoy seeing civilian and military fashions up close. Blacksmithing demonstrations will heat up the event and salt making and cattle and bull whip cracking demonstrations add local flavor.
To get the younger set involved, hands-on activities will keep children learning about the era in a fun, interactive way. Vendors will sell and display Civil War era memorabilia. Food will be sold to satisfy appetites worked up during the fun and education.
In the afternoon, soldiers will rise again and continue the excitement at the 25th Annual Heritage Village Skirmish. This living history event lets spectators experience what Civil War battles may have been like during America’s quest to build a nation.
Heritage Village, operated by Pinellas County government, is a 21-acre living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County at 11909 125th St. N. in Largo. Heritage Village is adjacent to Pinellas County Extension, the Florida Botanical Gardens and the Gulf Coast Museum of Art. Heritage Village brings to life more than 150 years of rich and colorful local history in a picturesque landscape of palmettos and pine trees. More than 25 buildings and structures are restored, authentic and full of fun. Heritage Village offers an exciting portfolio of events and programs to educate and inspire visitors. For more information, contact Heritage Village at (727) 582-2123 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/Heritage.
Events and programs at Heritage Village are financed in part with Historical Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.
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