MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Gibson Museum and Cultural Center will hold its annual “Battles at the Mansion” fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25.
The event is a reenactment of four Civil War battles, which members of the American Civil War Association will stage on the fields behind the Middletown Mansion Event Center on Highway 29.
Between those battles, guests may go onto the battlefield to examine the weapons and chat with the participants.
These men, old and young, and a few women, are remarkably well informed about the armaments and munitions, about the authenticity of their uniforms and equipment, and about the war itself.
Apart from the black smoke powder and tumult, there will be plenty to enjoy.
Lake County’s popular women’s a Capella group, My Divas, will open the entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. Word is that the ladies, dressed in mid-19th century outfits, may also burst into song from time to time amidst the lush greenery of the mansion grounds.
David Neft, a favorite entertainer in many Lake County venues for the past couple of decades, will play Saturday afternoon.
The engaging duo of Don Coffin on guitar and Andi Skelton with her fiddle will play Sunday afternoon, to set toes tapping as they regularly do at Ely Stage Stop’s monthly Fiddlers’ Jams.
Twice on Saturday, once on Sunday, Forest Service archaeologist Barbara White will offer her delightful characterization of a Civil War era lady struggling into proper antebellum dress with all its cumbersome underpinnings. Barbara has been performing for about twenty years, and the applause keeps escalating.
Several of the area’s favorite restaurateurs will be on hand vending assorted casual outdoor foods, and soft drinks, beer and wine will also be available.
The entire affair is a fundraiser to help support ongoing work on local history and displays at Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. Sponsorships are available to help the cause and will be rewarded with promotional displays at the event. For information, call Voris at 707-295-7174 or Davis at 707-495-4811.
Tickets are now on sale at 13 venues: all three Lake County museums, in Lakeport, Lower Lake and Middletown, and at Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum in Kelseyville; at the Chambers of Commerce in Lakeport and Clearlake; at all three Country Air Realty offices in Lakeport, Clear Lake Riviera and Cobb; at Mountain High coffee shops in Cobb and Hidden Valley Lake; at the Lower Lake Coffee Shop and at 2 Women Traders in Middletown.
Advance sales prices are $12 adult, $10 senior, $5 Youth, under 6 free.
For advanced ticket purchase and a schedule of events visit www.friendsofgibson.com .