Civil War Days return to Yuma this weekend

Over 100 enthusiasts will bring the War Between the States to life this weekend during the annual Civil War Days re-enactment at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot, 201 N. 4th Ave.

The two-day event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 per person per day.

The re-enactment will include two pitched battles each day, complete with Civil War-era infantry and artillery batteries, as well as a minstrel show highlighting popular music from the era, and educational demonstrations.

“We are in the period of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War,” said Charles Flynn, executive director of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. “The 150th anniversary of Gettysburg comes up this summer. The Civil War shaped this country, and this is a good way of connecting to that story.”

Far “too many people think of history as ‘boring,'” Flynn continued. “To see the soldiers, sense the pending battle, smell the gunpowder – it gets people excited about the history. History can and should be fun. That may be the only way to get people to understand the importance of that history.”

The Quartermaster Depot, complete with “beautiful lawns and trees and historic buildings” offers an excellent backdrop to the re-enactment, Flynn added.

“It is tailor-made for concerts, special events, and re-enactments like Civil War Days. It is great way for the community to enjoy this special place.”

As a bonus, those who attend Civil War days will be able to view the “Alcatraz: Life on the Rock” exhibit, which was recently erected at the park, Flynn noted.

To view video of a past re-enactment during Civil War Days, go to http://www.yumasun.com/video/?videoId=1424306481001&lineupId=1170502585&play=now.

For more information about Civil War Days, call the Yuma Quartermaster Depot at 373-5198.