It’s not Gettysburg. It’s not Antietam. It’s Casa de Fruta.
More than 100 Civil War enthusiasts will descend upon the
Highway 152 roadside stop to stage a Civil War battle re-enactment
this weekend.
Staff Reports
It’s not Gettysburg. It’s not Antietam. It’s Casa de Fruta.
More than 100 Civil War enthusiasts will descend upon the Highway 152 roadside stop to stage a Civil War battle re-enactment this weekend.
The enthusiasts belong to the American Civil War Association, which has members from all over California. They’re Civil War buffs who are pretty well read on the war in general, with specialties in certain battles, years or units.
They won’t be staging a specific battle, but there is one thing that’s certain: the outcome. The association fights two battles a day, and each side wins one. So if the South wins in the morning, the North will win in the afternoon.
The club has been staging re-enactments at Casa de Fruta every year for 10 years in August and June.
Club members strive for authenticity in their clothing, tactics, camp life and tools. They even use real weapons.
And the re-enactors belong to military units that actually existed during the war. Some even play real characters.
Nearly 1 million American lives were lost during the war.
About 100 to 150 rifles are expected on each side, and visitors can expect to experience lots of smoke and noise.
Those who are interested can participate, as walk-ons are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. But there are safety tests and drills that need to be completed before someone can take part in the battle re-enactment.
Others can just come to watch, and visit the camps and talk to re-enactors before and after the battles. Camps are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two battles each day. The re-enactments will take place Saturday and Sunday.
Those interested in joining the club can visit the association’s Web site at www.voss-serenka.com/ ACWA/index.html
