By Staff
NILES – Saturday and Sunday, On May 17 and 18, you can "Take a Step Back in History" and experience the Civil War right here in the Brandywine community.
The re-enactment will take place on the Low Family property, adjacent to Brandywine Middle /Senior High School, located at 17th Street and Bell Road.
Re-enactor soldiers of the First Michigan and Second Kentucky infantries will stage battles, conduct tours of campgrounds, and explain what life was like as Yankee or Rebel soldiers during the "War Between the States."
Enjoy food at the concession stand, observe a battle, and tour the campground and sights. Bring camp chairs to sit and watch the battle, if you'd like.
On Friday school groups from as far away as Benton Harbor, Watervliet, and Galien, will be joining the Brandywine students for tours and presentations throughout the day. Saturday and Sunday are days for the general public to come out and take part in this second annual event.
Civil War Re-enactment Days are sponsored by the Brandywine Community Schools Improvement Foundation. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation in its work to help fund extracurricular student activities, school groups, athletic facility improvements, and other educational activities not covered by the district budget or bond issue proceeds.
Here are the schedules:
Saturday, May 17:
9 a.m. – Camps open to the public
Camp Demonstrations
11 a.m. – Infantry Drill-Demonstration
1 p.m. – Artillery Drill-Demonstration
3 p.m. – Battle
Sunday, May 18:
7 to 11 a.m. – Niles Township Fire Department Breakfast (at the Fire Station, free will donation)
9 a.m. Camps open to the public
1860's Church Service
Camp Demonstrations
10 a.m. – Infantry Drill-Demonstration
11 a.m. – Artillery Drill-Demonstration
3 p.m. – Battle