Effingham County will enjoy a mix of new and old during a free community event, the Civil War Experience, on May 18 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in Rincon.
The old is a celebration of Effingham’s heritage. Organized by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Civil War Experience will include re-enactors demonstrating what life was like in a Civil War camp.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Rick Lott, executive director of the Effingham Chamber. “We have so much history in the county and so few opportunities to put it out in front of the public, that we thought this would be a great opportunity and a great time to do that.”
The new is Rincon’s festival location, which is about 10 times the size of the area where the Chamber has held its Oktoberfest. It is just off Highway 21, behind Fuller Chevrolet and beside Lowe’s.
“The new festival site that Rincon has put together is just fantastic,” Lott said. “We used to have to produce our Oktoberfest on about two acres, and now we’ve got about 20.”
Rincon city officials also are enthusiastic about the first big event at their new locale.
“We’re excited about how it may be able to be used,” said Mayor Ken Lee. “We’re looking forward to a great event.”
Added council member James Dasher: “We hope you have a huge crowd. We felt anything that draws people will draw people to our local businesses.”
The Civil War encampment will be set up all day. Men dressed as soldiers will demonstrate Civil War-era training exercises, fire “rifle volleys” and cook over their campfire.
“One of the things we’re most excited about,” Lott said, “is that we’re up to seven cannons coming for the event. Those cannons are going to fire every hour on the hour from 10 to 6, and they’re going to fire one at a time. So I think that’s going to be remarkable.”
Along with the Civil War campsite, the festival will include live music from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., a kids’ play area and arts and crafts vendors. Admission is free, thanks to the contributions by presenting sponsor Fuller Chevrolet and other sponsors, Lott said.
In addition, the sponsorships will support local charities and organizations. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity, Treutlen House at New Ebenezer, Faith Equestrian and the Effingham Museum and Living History Site.
Vendor spaces are still available. The cost is $75 for food booths and $50 for arts and crafts booths or non-profit organizations.
“It’s just going to be a fun day for the family and a good chance to get out in front of the public,” Lott said.
For more information or applications, contact Lott at ricklott@effinghamcounty.com or 754-3301.
