PEA RIDGE -- "We certainly don't do this to memorialize our nation's worst tragedy," Steve Bailey, organizer of the Battle of Pea Ridge re-enactment, said.
The sixth such event is set for Sept. 24-27, on the Webb Family Farm, four miles north of downtown Pea Ridge. The farm is a picturesque and pristine 340-acre, seventh-generation farmstead located in the Greenbelt surrounding the 4,300-acre Pea Ridge National Military Park, the best preserved Civil War Battlefield in the nation.
"Our efforts are purely public charity," Bailey said, explaining that all money raised goes to the Pea Ridge National Military Park Foundation.
"It has nothing to do with hate. It's so the park can be preserved for future generations ... so they can learn that a house divided cannot stand. We can't ever go through another Civil War," he said.
Bailey said his first big event was in 1995 and this will be a first event for many re-enactors and he wants to make it memorable. This will be the second re-enactment held on the Webb farm; the first was in 2013. It was held on Bentonville park property in 2005, 2007 and on a farm on Little Sugar Creek in 2001, 2003.
Bailey said he anticipates more than 10,000 people over the three-day period based on registration.
"About three-fifths of the U.S. is represented, with re-enactors coming from Maryland to California, from Washington State to Florida. We've never been represented like this in the Midwest," Bailey said. He explained that typically registration at national events is $20 but here it is only $8.
The sponsor is the Arkansas Re-enactor Educational Assoc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit tax-deductible public charity corporation designed to raise funds for historical preservation, e.g. the Pea Ridge National Military Park Foundation. Pea Ridge is being run by re-enactors, for re-enactors. Everyone is welcome, as is the Trans-Mississippi general rule. Wood, water, hay, sanitation and $2,000,000 insurance is available for only $8 per person, military or civilian re-enactor.
This Civil War re-enactment is endorsed by the Sons of the American Revolution, Daniel McKissic Chapter, Bella Vista.
Tickets for spectators are $10 a day or $22 for a three-day pass; children under 16 are free.
The schedule:
• 4 p.m. Friday, Battle
• 2 p.m. Saturday, Battle
• 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Dance
• 11 a.m. Sunday, Battle
• 17398 Patterson Road, Pea Ridge.
General News on 09/16/2015