Group readies for annual Civil War re-enactment
The Barnard E. Bee Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1575, has already begun preparing Confederate Park off Powell Pond Road for the Battle of Aiken.
From now until the start of the event, volunteers will be cutting grass, chopping wood and making sure all of the water and electricity lines running to the grounds are in good working order for the 16th annual re-enactment, which portrays Joe Wheeler and his Confederate troops’ historic campaign against Gen. Judson Kilpatrick and his Union men, who fought, quite literally, on Richland Avenue in Aiken.
“We try to put on an event that will appeal to people, no matter what your interest in history is,” said Edwin Mann, a member of the Barnard E. Bee Camp.
The Battle of Aiken kicks off Feb. 19 with school day. Hundreds of school children from around Aiken County converge on the grounds to visit the crafters, watch an artillery presentation and a battle skirmish on the 12-acre battleground.
On Saturday, Feb. 20 and Sunday, Feb. 21, gates open at 9 a.m. to spectators. On Sunday, the period church service begins at 11 a.m.
“There are lots of things going on and not necessarily the fighting on the battlefields,” Mann said. “This is a history lesson you can’t read out of a book.”
Events during the day include Confederate camp tours, lectures and programs, battle amputation scenarios and cannon fire demonstrations. On Saturday, part one of The Battle of Aiken begins at 2 p.m. Part two of the battle will begin at the same time Sunday.
The sutlers village will include vendors selling period art, woodcrafts, replica swords, muskets, iron working, women’s clothing, uniforms and music.
Advance admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 6 to 18); 5 and under are admitted free. At the gate, $12 for adults and $6 for students.
Advance tickets are available at the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
Spectators are advised to bring camping chairs or blankets or towels to sit on during the battles.
Parking is free.
For more information, visit www.battleofaiken.org.
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Attend screening of new Civil War film at art center.
From the director and creators of the “Battle of Aiken” comes a new film to premier in Aiken.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m., the Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) will screen the latest Civil War film from Christopher Forbes called “Perfect Disguise.” The 103-minute film will be shown in the Brown Pavilion.
“‘Perfect Disguise’ is a feature-length motion picture that takes place in the South during the Civil War. The story concerns a young woman who joins the Confederate cavalry disguised as a boy to avoid marriage to a terrible man,” Forbes said.
“Perfect Disguise” is based on the novel of the same name by Lydia Hawke. Nearly a third of the film was shot in Aiken County.
Forbes and nearly the entire cast will be on hand for this screening, including lead actors Heather Clark of Augusta, Dave Long and Tripp Courtney, both Aiken County residents. Most of the actors will be dressed in period costumes.
At the conclusion of the film there will be a question and answer session. “Perfect Disguise” posters, DVDs and memorabilia will be available for purchase at the screening.
“Perfect Disguise” is a PG-13 level motion picture. It does contain mild language and some realistic depictions of wartime violence.
General admission is $8 and $2 for children and those with military ID. Tickets are available now at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Tickets will also be available the day of the show. For more information, call 641-9094.
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Battle of Aiken comes to life again!
Blue coats and gray coats will clash once again this weekend as The Battle of Aiken reenactment kicks off.
This year marks the 145 anniversary of the historic battle which was fought, quite literally, on Richland Avenue in Aiken and the 15th anniversary of the reenactment. Spectators and reenactors alike will converge on the fields off Powell Pond Road and take part in the recreation of Joe Wheeler and his Confederate troops’ campaign against Gen. Judson Kilpatrick and his Union men. Full Story.
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